John Burkhill Speaks: The Full Celebration of the Man with the Pram's New Star

Watch the full speeches from the Sheffield Legends unveiling at Sheffield Town Hall, as John Burkhill, also known as the 'Man with the Pram', is honored for his incredible fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event, attended by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Andrew Sangar, and other notable figures such as Andy Kershaw, celebrates John Burkhill's remarkable achievement and his dedication to raising money for charity in Sheffield. In his speech, John Burkhill shares his story and recites a poem, highlighting the importance of community and the impact of his fundraising on the city. This special occasion is a testament to the spirit of Sheffield and its people, showcasing the city's commitment to supporting local charities and fundraisers. The Sheffield Legends walk of fame and plaque are a permanent tribute to John Burkhill's contributions to the city, and this event is a significant moment in the history of Sheffield, a city proud of its heritage and its people, located in the heart of South Yorkshire, also known as the Steel City. The unveiling of the Sheffield Legends plaque at Sheffield Town Hall is a major news event in Sheffield, with the local community coming together to celebrate John Burkhill's achievement, and is a significant topic of discussion on the Sheffield Forum, as the city looks to the future, with events like this taking place in 2026 and beyond. Watch every speech from the day Sheffield's Man with the Pram, John Burkhill, was honoured with a Sheffield Legends star outside Sheffield Town Hall. Hundreds gathered on Pinstone Street on Tuesday 29 September 2026, many in green wigs and Blades or Owls shirts, to celebrate one of the city's best-loved fundraisers. Before the plaque was unveiled, the crowd heard from the people closest to John's story, and from the man himself. Compère Andy Kershaw opens the ceremony, before the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Andrew Sangar, welcomes John and the crowd. John then takes the microphone to share his story, reveals he's worn through hundreds of pairs of trainers along the way, and reads his poem to the city he calls home. Macmillan Cancer Support's Hayley Short closes with a few words of thanks. John started fundraising for Macmillan after losing his daughter Karen in 1991 and his wife June a year later. The pram was bought for Karen as a baby in 1961, and he's pushed it through more than a thousand races since, raising over £1.2 million for Macmillan. His star now sits alongside names like Jessica Ennis-Hill, Joe Cocker and Pulp, opposite the Peace Gardens. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction from Andy Kershaw 02:43 Welcome from the Lord Mayor, Cllr Andrew Sangar 04:14 John Burkhill's speech 05:30 John reads his poem to Sheffield: 'My City' 09:14 Thank you from Macmillan Cancer Support's Hayley Short Were you on the Town Hall steps today? Share your John Burkhill moment in the comments. Support John's fundraising: justgiving.com/fundraising/madwalker Affected by cancer? The Macmillan Support Line is free on 0808 808 00 00. Join the conversation on Sheffield Forum, the city's community for local news, Sheffield life and stories since 2002: sheffieldforum.co.uk #sheffield #JohnBurkhill #SheffieldLegends #ManWithThePram #Macmillan #SheffieldTownHall #LordMayorOfSheffield #SheffieldForum #SteelCity #SouthYorkshire