A Barnsley swimming teacher who has spent more than a decade raising money for good causes has presented a cheque for £1,635 to Barnsley Hospital’s Paediatric Unit.
Robert Blackburn, who teaches swimming at the Barnsley Metrodome and Royston Leisure Centre, was joined by his daughter Isabelle Blackburn — also a lifeguard and swimming teacher — along with family friend Curtis Harper and BPL’s Head of Human Resources, Ronnie Erskine, at Oakwell Stadium to hand over the donation.
The fundraising total came from a 1.5km swim at the Keswick Mountain Festival in May. Robert said the challenge was dedicated to the children he has taught to swim over the years and to those who have received treatment or support through the hospital’s Paediatric Unit.
Since 2013, Robert has raised more than £15,500 for various charities. In November 2023, he was named Charity Fundraiser of the Year at the Proud of Barnsley Awards, which led to an invitation to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May 2024.
This year’s swim was supported by local businesses Triple M Vehicles Ltd and I-SOURCE Vehicle Sourcing Specialist Ltd, who provided warm hoodies for the event and helped cover costs. Barnsley Football Club also backed the fundraiser, donating three signed shirts for raffles, with proceeds adding to the total.
Robert thanked everyone who sponsored the team, as well as Flox Creative for printing the hoodies, Hoyland Reds, and the hospital’s volunteer-run coffee shop for auctioning one of the signed shirts.
