Sheffield’s own ‘man with the pram’, famous in the city for his charity fundraising efforts and trademark green wig and pram, shares a video message encouraging others to get the covid vaccine.

82 year old John Burkhill has received both doses of the covid vaccine giving him the highest level of protection from the virus. 

A Sheffield legend, John was bestowed the honour of Freedom of the City of Sheffield in recognition of his fundraising for Macmillan spanning four decades, awarded a Pride of Britain award in 2013 and last year received a second British Empire Medal from the Queen.

Grateful to be vaccinated and hopeful for the future, John has shared a video message encouraging others to get the covid vaccine.  You can watch John’s message on NHS Sheffield CCG’s YouTube channel here.

John said: “I’ve had my second vaccine and I’m grateful to the NHS that I’m protected, there’s nothing to be frightened of, the NHS are doing what’s right. I didn’t have any side effects and would encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

“I’m so looking forward to getting back out on the road again.”

In Sheffield over 267k people have received their first dose of a covid vaccine and everyone in the top nine priority groups has been invited, 84k have now received a second dose too.

Alun Windle, Chief Nurse and Covid Vaccination Lead at NHS Sheffield CCG said: “We reached a milestone in April inviting everyone in the top priority groups for their covid vaccine.

“Having both doses is important as this gives you the best protection so don’t delay when you’re invited. You’ll typically be invited for your second dose at week 11 and this could be at short notice so please be prepared for the invite to come at any time. You’ll receive the same vaccine as you did for your first.

“Thank you to everyone who has been vaccinated so far, we’re making great progress in Sheffield and may this continue.”

If you are in an eligible group – meaning you are 45 or over, have a health condition that puts you at greater risk, or are a health or social care worker – and you haven’t booked your first dose yet, the time to do so is right now. It’s quick and simple to book at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.

If you are aged over 50, you have a health condition that means you’re eligible for vaccination or you’re a health and care worker, and you haven’t been vaccinated or cannot get an appointment through national booking system, speak to your GP surgery.