Harold John Burkhill BEM (born January 1939) is an English fundraiser who was awarded a British Empire Medal for his effort, particularly to fight cancer.
John Burkhill | |
|---|---|
| Born | Harold John Burkhill January 1939 (age 85) |
| Other names | The Man with the Pram |
In May 2023, he raised over £1million for Macmillan Cancer Support.[1][2] He began working in fundraising in 1967,[3] but started the "Man with the Pram" in 2007, when his wife June died in 1993 from cancer aged 55.[3] John's wife died the same day their grandchild Daniel was born.[3][4] As of May 2024, Burkhill has competed in 1,045 races that raise money for charity, including the London Marathon.[5] He has run in every Sheffield marathon since 1982. Burkhill was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in Chapeltown on 25 June 2012. His "Man with the Pram" character includes wearing a green shirt with "Macmillan Cancer Support" written on it, a green curly wig, and his daughter Karen's pram. A film about Burkhill was made in 2020.[6]
For the 2013 New Year Honours, Burkhill was awarded the British Empire Medal.[7] In 2023, he won the Pride of Britain Awards for ITV fundraiser of the year.[8] Also in 2023, then prime minister Rishi Sunak named John Points of Light, an award which recognises volunteers, charity leaders and community champions..[2][9]
References
edit- ^ Ulke, Alstair (18 May 2024). "Out in Sheffield with the legendary John Burkhill". The Star. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Sheffiels's Man with the Pram John Burkhill wins award from PM for cancer fundraising". ITVX. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ a b c "Sheffield's mad walker with the pram,John Burkhill, "Even the Queen thinks I am barmy."". Alternative lives. 2012-04-03. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Lewis, Claire. "Pride of Britain: Who is John Burkhill and why has he raised £1m for Macmillan". The Star. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
- ^ "John Burkhill: Sheffield celebrates Pram Man's £1m milestone". BBC News. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Fore, Nick (2020-05-16), The Man with the Pram (Documentary, Short), John Burkhill, Goblin Town Films, retrieved 2024-08-11
- ^ "Supporting John 'Man with the pram' Burkhill's magic million for Macmillan". JustGiving. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "ITV Fundraiser - Pride of Britain Awards". Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Sheffield's John Burkhill wins award from PM for cancer fundraising". BBC News. 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2024-08-11.