A LOCAL swimming instructor conquered Lake Windermere in a recent fundraiser for charity.
Robert Blackburn took on the mammoth 10km swim in June, managing to raise £1,331 for the neonatal unit of Barnsley hospital.
This phenomenal accomplishment was inspired by Robert’s friends Emma and Mark Mallender, whose two children were born prematurely and only pulled through thanks to the dedicated work of the unit.
Robert said: “It was one of the hardest times they went through in their lives.
“They support me by paying for all the costs of my swims – I just wanted to give a little something back.”
This is just one of many charity events Robert has worked on, which has recently earned him a Proud of Barnsley nomination.