Ambassador honour for Millers legend John

His first fundraising effort for the cause was in 1990, when he arranged and played in a match also featuring Sir Alex Ferguson — and the event also saw running star Peter Elliott take on Rotherham United players in a race.

Breck’s connection with the Broom Road charity was made particularly poignant following the death of his wife Denise in 2006, when she was cared for by the hospice.

The support given to daughter Jess — who was eight at the time — helped establish the charity’s Sunbeams child bereavement support group.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been recognised with this title at a place that holds such a special place in my heart,” said John.

“I know that I have headed up a lot of the fundraising on behalf of Rotherham United but it is the fans who have earned this title as much as I have, by constantly supporting everything that we do – no matter how many times we ask.

“Our aim is to ensure that the hospice is here for many, many more years to come and our efforts to raise money for this amazing charity will not stop here.

“As you can see in the photos, I wanted to make sure that the angels that are the nurses, canteen staff, cleaners and everybody else behind the scenes were recognised. Without them, this special place just couldn’t continue to do the amazing work that they do.”

John also thanked RUFC chairman Tony Stewart for his “constant” support and paid tribute to the charitable work of Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

John’s other notable efforts for the hospice have included founding the Midnight Memory Walk, several cricket matches involving the Millers first team, and Give the Hospice a Hand day, which saw fans wear red gloves at last season’s home game against Shrewsbury.

Proceeds from his 2021 book Breck: My Life in Football continue to be donated to the charity, too.

Stephen King, the hospice’s director of income generation and communication, said John’s immense contribution spanning decades made it fitting for him to become the charity’s first ambassador.

“John has done so much for Rotherham Hospice over the years,” he added. “We wanted to recognise John’s achievement and dedication by appointing him as ambassador for Rotherham Hospice.

“We are looking forward to flying the flag for Rotherham Hospice with John for years to come.”

A Millers spokesperson said: “Everyone at Rotherham United would like to wholeheartedly congratulate our club legend and honorary life president John Breckin on being recognised as the hospice’s first ever ambassador.

“We are incredibly proud of the work that John has done, and continues to do, for a charity that we know is so close to the hearts of so many people in the town and beyond.

“We are therefore delighted to see John’s immense contribution to the charity rewarded with the recognition of becoming their first ever ambassador.”