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 namesThe 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

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  1. ^ Ulke, Alstair (18 May 2024). "Out in Sheffield with the legendary John Burkhill". The Star. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Lewis, Claire. "Pride of Britain: Who is John Burkhill and why has he raised £1m for Macmillan". The Star. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  5. ^ "John Burkhill: Sheffield celebrates Pram Man's £1m milestone". BBC News. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
  6. ^ Fore, Nick (2020-05-16), The Man with the Pram (Documentary, Short), John Burkhill, Goblin Town Films, retrieved 2024-08-11
  7. ^ "Supporting John 'Man with the pram' Burkhill's magic million for Macmillan". JustGiving. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
  8. ^ "ITV Fundraiser - Pride of Britain Awards". Retrieved 2024-08-11.
  9. ^ "Sheffield's John Burkhill wins award from PM for cancer fundraising". BBC News. 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2024-08-11.