Sheffield’s famous John ‘Man with the Pram’ Burkhill is closing in on his £1 million target for Macmillan Cancer as he prepares to take on this weekend’s half marathon.
John Burkhill parades the streets of the Steel City on a regular basis pushing his late daughter’s pram with his bright green wig raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
After the loss of his wife Mr Burkhill has been inspired to say thank you to all of the people who have contributed to his fundraiser.
The 84-year-old said: “It’s really quite humbling to be on my way to £1million. All Sheffielders have been absolutely brilliant with me.”
Mr Burkhill’s current total stands at almost £920,000 and he is hoping to reach the ‘magic million’ before his 85th birthday in January 2024.
This weekend’s event will be his 1,037th race and John will continue his streak of taking part in every half marathon organised in Sheffield since 1982.
John loves the community aspect of each event and says the time in which he runs the race is always at the back of his mind.
The Pram man said: “If 50 people stop me and have a chat for a minute, that’s 50 minutes added to my time, but it’s worthwhile.”
Mr Burkhill initially aimed to raise £250,000 but, due to a large amount of support, moved his target up to £1 million in 2013.
At the age of 84, Mr Burkhill has revealed what inspires him to still get out onto the streets of Sheffield and continue to collect donations.
He said: “I have my late wife’s teddy on the front of my late daughter’s pram, I feel like they’re both with me when I’m out and about.
“I know it’s daft but that’s how I feel and they both inspire me.”
Macmillan Cancer Support have been amazed with the amount of money John has managed to raise and are extremely thankful to all those who have donated.
Hannah Lumb, Macmillan Cancer Support’s Fundraising Manager, said: “There’s no slowing him down. We are so thrilled everybody across Sheffield and beyond is behind what he is trying to do in raising that ‘magic million’ for Macmillan.”
The Sheffield Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday 26th March and a map of the route is pictured below.
Supporters can donate in person to John, online at www.justgiving.com/madwalker or by texting the word PRAM to 70550.