Sheffield’s “Man with The Pram”, John Burkhill, reached the goal of raising £1 million for charity. A familiar sight with an iconic green wig, pushing a pram with a charity bucket around the city centre streets. He has been fundraising for the Macmillan Cancer Charity since the loss of his wife, who died of cancer in 1992. Report by Isabelle Goodhand for Sheffield Live!
From the Sheffield Live! archives October 2023
The long-awaited Islamic centre and mosque in Burngreave formally opened its doors to the public in April 2023, having been under construction for over a decade. The Sheffield Grand Mosque, on Grimesthorpe Rd, is a landmark of Islamic architecture and design. It boasts four halls that cater for community activities, Islamic study, sports such as gymnastics, football and karate training, as well as prayer halls for both men and women. Sheffield live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to volunteers and worshippers at the mosque.
From the Sheffield Live archives April 2023
A permanent Covid memorial was unveiled in 2023 to remember those who lost their lives to the virus and to those who worked hard to keep people in Sheffield safe. The stainless steel sculpture representing a willow tree was chosen out of 14 entries after Sheffield City Council asked for submissions. The memorial was installed in Balm Green Gardens, near Barker’s Pool. Baillor Jalloh spoke to Paul Taylor, Sheffield Council’s Covid memorial project lead, and Sheffield Lord Mayor Sioned-Mair Richards.
From the Sheffield Live archives March 2023
Former UK sports minister and Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn was honoured “Freedom of the City,” for dedicating his life to Sheffield and its people. Caborn was awarded the honour for his contribution to the advancement of sport in Sheffield, nationally and internationally, and for other services to the city. Report by Baillor Jalloh for Sheffield Live!
From the Sheffield Live! archives May 2023
Newly elected MP for Sheffield Central, Abtisam Mohamed, told Sheffield Live! the cost of living crisis and local transport were key concerns for Sheffielders. She also pledged to press for early implementation of Labour’s manifesto commitment to recognition of a Palestinian state. Speaking after the election, she paid tribute to former Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield. Sangita Basudev reports.
Olivia Blake, re-elected as MP for Sheffield Hallam, spoke to Sheffeld Live! on priorities for the new Labour government, including investment in the NHS and climate change. Sangita Basudev reports.
Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Sheffield, told Sheffield Live! the party will need to regroup after losing seats in the local elections. The Lib Dems lost Eccleshall to the Greens and lost Beighton to Labour, reducing their total number of seats on the Council to 27. Baillor Jalloh reports.
Peter Gilbert, the Green Party candidate for Eccleshall, defeated incumbent Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Davison. The Greens lost Walkley to Labour, leaving their total number of councillors unchanged at 14. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Qais Al-Ahdal, standing as a pro-Palestine Independent candidate, achieved a convincing win over Labour in Darnall ward with 2402 votes, nearly twice as many as Labour in second place. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Council leader Tom Hunt, speaking to Sheffield Live! said Labour were pleased with the local election results with the party gaining five seats overall. Sheffield will remain with no overall control, Labour having 35 councillors out of 84 seats. The Lib Dems lost two seats overall and are down to 27. The Greens are unchanged with 14 seats. Eight councillors sit as Independents. The Tories lost their only seat, with Stocksbridge and Upper Don a Labour gain. Baillor Jalloh reports.