John Burkhill

Harold John Burkhill (4 January 1939) is an English fundraiser, better known as The Man with the Pram. ^[1]

Life

Harold John Burkhill was born 4 January 1939 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. ^[2] He began fundraising for Macmilan Cancer Support in 1993, following the death of his daughter Karen. ^[3] He is known for pushing a pram around Sheffield City Centre, whilst wearing a green wig. ^[4]

Recognition

Burkhill was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2013 New Years Honors. ^[5] In 2021, he was awarded Freedom of the City of Sheffield. ^[6]

In 2023, he was awarded the ITV Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards after successfully raising £1,000,000. ^{[7] [8]}

On 2 February 2026, he was awarded a star on the Sheffield Legends walk of fame. ^[9]

References

1. "John Burkhill: Award to honour Sheffield's Pram Man's fundraising". 2023-09-16. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
2. "John Burkhill: Sheffield celebrates Pram Man's £1m milestone". BBC News. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
3. "Meadowhall announces local legend John Burkhill as community hero for 35th anniversary mural". Rotherham Advertiser. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
4. Auld, Lyra (2025-12-25). "Sheffield icon John 'The Man with the Pram' sets off on Christmas walk". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
5. "JustGiving Awards 2022 - vote for a Macmillan fundraiser". www.macmillan.org.uk. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
6. "Partner's News: Sheffield Legend 'man with the pram' is encouraging the city to get vaccinated :: South Yorkshire I.C.S." syics.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
7. "Winners 2023 - Pride of Britain Awards". www.prideofbritain.com. Archived from the original on 2023-11-09. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
8. "Sheffield's Man with the Pram John Burkhill wins award from PM for cancer fundraising". 28 September 2023.
9. "Sheffield Legends". www.sheffield.gov.uk. Retrieved 2026-02-03.