Fundraiser and ref among walk of fame honourees

Members of the band Pulp, late businesswoman Dame Julie Kenny, a much-loved fundraiser known as "the man with the pram" and late football referee Uriah Rennie are the newest big names to be added to the Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame.

In total, a further six people had been selected to be added to the walk of fame, which lines a pavement outside the town hall, according to Sheffield City Council.

They had all been recognised for their exceptional contributions to culture, sport, community and public life, a spokesperson said.

Council leader Tom Hunt said the latest big names to be immortalised in the walk of fame "are all people who inspire us and the world".

Over 30 nominations for the walk of fame had been reviewed by an independent awards panel made up of representatives from across the city, the spokesperson said.

They are, or were, at the top of their field, easily recognisable and had made a significant contribution to promoting Sheffield, they added.

Members of Pulp had been honoured for "proudly championing their Sheffield roots throughout their career", while the late Dame Julie Kenny, who died last February, had been recognised for her leadership in business and commitment to supporting South Yorkshire's economic growth, heritage and communities, the council spokesperson said.

Uriah Rennie, who died last June, was posthumously recognised for his career as a Premier League referee, and John Burkhill - "the man with the pram" - would feature on the walk of fame after raising over £1m for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his late wife June and daughter Karen.

Also honoured was boxer Herol "Bomber" Graham for representing Sheffield at the highest levels of the sport, and singer/songwriter Paul Carrack would be named on the walk of fame for his contributions to music while remaining connected to Sheffield.

Rennie's plaque would be unveiled outside Sheffield Town Hall on 2 February, according to the council.

Two other sportsmen, golfer Danny Willett and cricketer Joe Root, have previously been announced as new Sheffield Legends walk of fame honourees.

Willett was honoured for his accomplishments in professional golf, most notably becoming the first Englishman in 20 years to win the Masters Tournament, the council said.

Meanwhile, Root had received a plaque in recognition of his exceptional cricketing career, including serving as England captain and becoming one of the most successful batsmen of his generation, the spokesperson added.

Hunt said: "The Sheffield Legends honours celebrate the people who have shaped our city's story and recognise their great achievements.

"This year's recipients are all people who inspire us and the world. They reflect the creativity, dedication and community spirit that define Sheffield.

"Their achievements have reached far beyond our borders, but are shaped by the values that make our city extraordinary.

"We're proud to recognise achievements and ensure they are celebrated for years to come."

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