John Burkhill

John, a familiar face around Sheffield with his personalised pram and green wig, has devoted his life to fundraising for Macmillan after his wife June died from the disease. A year later his daughter Karen died during a routine operation. Since then John has taken part in over 854 races including half marathons, 10K runs, marathons inc. London 20 times and Sheffield half marathon every year since it began. John has set himself a target of competing in over 1000 races and has now raised over £130,000 for charity and aims to raise £250,000. And we need to remember that John is now 71. In July, John will be setting off from Sheffield and walking to York - 68 miles, then resting on the Saturday before taking part in The Jane Tomlinson Run for Macmillan - he is even thinking of walking back with his Pram - but that is typical off John's determination, spirit and dedication to his charity work. John is known by local mps, councillors, media, the community and would consider it an amazing honour to be Sheffield's torch bearer. There have already been several letters posted to the local newspaper campaigning for John to be our torch bearer and I've recieved phone calls asking for him to be given this honour. He is an inspiration to others and fits the Olympic mould. You can find out more about John by visiting his Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/madmanwithpram