The man with the pram: John's story
Through his extraordinary race-walk efforts, John has fundraised over a million pounds for Macmillan in the last 20 years or so. It means Macmillan can continue to be there for everyone who needs us, and it’s inspired countless other fundraisers along the way.
Get inspired by John and do your own fundraising.
"The most important person I've ever met is the last person who put money in my bucket."
A Sheffield fundraising legend
In January 2026, John was informed he was awarded the prestigious Sheffield Legends Star. The award, which is the city’s highest honour, is in recognition of his considerable achievements. In a city known for its steel making history, John has his own steely determination to help Macmillan do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.
I can’t thank the people of Sheffield enough,” he says. “This Sheffield Legends Star belongs to all of us and to Macmillan. just as much as it does to me.” It’s a typically down to earth comment from a man who takes his remarkable achievements all in his stride.
John is not just a fundraiser. He’s a volunteer, listener, and a friend to everyone he meets. He’s a much-loved Sheffield personality whose impact is felt deeply and widely across the city and beyond.
His amazing fundraising stats include:
- Over £1.2m raised for Macmillan (as of February 2026), and he’s now set a £2m target
- 1,060 completed races since he became a fundraiser in 1977
- 24 major accolades, including a Pride of Britain National Fundraiser of the Year 2023 and British Order of Merit
- 8 races he's competing in for 2026, including ones in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Lincoln and Hull.
John's personal connection to the cause
But for John, now aged 87, the cause remains personal. Following the tragic loss of his daughter Karen during a routine medical procedure when she was 29, John lost his wife to breast cancer exactly 1 year later. He has also lost 2 brothers to cancer, and in 2021 his son also received a cancer diagnosis.
The pram which has since become his trademark, was originally bought in 1961 for Karen when she was a baby. Fondly known locally as “the man with the pram”, he proudly pushes it across Sheffield and in every race he enters. Fundraising for Macmillan in memory of his loved ones, he is instantly recognisable in his green wig and foam hand.
How John's fundraising journey began
John’s devoted most of his life to fundraising, using his race‑walking talent to champion causes that improve the lives of others. Since 1977, he’s supported numerous special schools and local charities. These include Weston Park Cancer Charity, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Talbot School, Norfolk Park School, Children in Crisis and Oakes Park School.
His fundraising regularly features extraordinary long‑distance walks, including Land’s End to Sheffield, Blackpool to Sheffield, and Lincoln Cathedral to Sheffield Cathedral. These activities are all marked by the same determination, generosity and spirit he has today.
John's fundraising for Macmillan
John began fundraising for Macmillan in 2007. He initially set himself a “modest” target of £250,000. But through his determination and as public admiration for him grew, he reached a remarkable £1m milestone in May 2023.
His annual Christmas Day Walk is a 16‑mile hike between the Macmillan Information Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the Macmillan Palliative Care Unit at the Northern General Hospital. It’s a deeply symbolic walk which he does every year no matter what the weather is.
In October 2023, John was named fundraiser of the year at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards and danced on stage with Angela Rippon. John later donated his trophy to the people of Sheffield, which is proudly on display in the city’s Winter Gardens. He also wrote a poem about his love of Sheffield, which later went viral on social media and helped raise the profile of the causes he cares about.
How John inspires others too
Aside from his fundraising, John is a source of comfort, encouragement and kindness. Hundreds if not thousands of people have approached him during his walks to share their fears, griefs, and personal stories. He listens without judgement, offering reassurance and directing them to professional support where needed.
He has memorised the Macmillan Support Line number and frequently hands over his own phone to people so they can access the support they need emotional. There are many stories of people whom John has helped directly through his kindness and willingness to listen.
Fascinating facts about John
- In 2024, John’s profile reached an international audience when he took part in the Paris Olympics torch celebrations, recording a heartfelt message of support encouraging Team GB athletes to “bring some medals back home.”
- He has a gritter named after him, called the Burkhill Blizzard Blaster, thanks to Sheffield City Council.
- He featured in Meadowhall’s 35th anniversary mural, commemorating the city’s most iconic community figures.
- John is regularly welcomed to the city’s two professional men’s football teams - Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. He often appears pitch side on matchdays.
- He once walked from Sheffield to York, around 50 miles, to reach the start line of a race.
- Among his 24 recognised accolades and titles, he is a recipient of the British Order of Merit, Freedom of Sheffield, British Citizen Award, Douglas Macmillan Award, and JustGiving ‘Outstanding Commitment’ Award.
How you can support Macmillan
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