WHEN Ryan Hinchliffe’s son Freddie needed specialist care in Barnsley Hospital’s neonatal unit, it was the start of a fundraising journey that has raised thousands of pounds.

Ryan’s partner Hayley Silverwood said: “My partner Ryan started raising money for Barnsley Hospital neonatal unit when our son Freddie Hinchliffe was born over two months’ premature on August 18, 2022.

“It came as a massive shock to us when I went into labour and ended up having an emergency section and giving birth to Freddie very early and he wasn’t ready for this world.

“I was admitted to the neonatal ward where the care we received for over a month was unbelievable the hardest month of our lives.

“No family was allowed to visit and we had to do this on our own but with the amazing nurses we got through this tough time and Ryan said I need to give something back, I owe them so much.”

So Ryan started raising money first came the Sheffield half marathon wearing a 20kg vest with a group of his friends and they smashed it raising £3,150,

Ryan and his team then decided to do the Yorkshire Marathon 2024 again wearing the 20kg vests and raising £4,878.

“Both these events were a massive challenge for Ryan and his friends emotionally and mentally but nothing fazed them when it came to raising money for such a worthy cause. Ryan put the time and effort in even though we had a prem baby at home and it wasn’t easy,” added Hayley.

More recently, the group of friends took on the Barnsley 10k dressed as nurses, pushing a child’s hospital bed.

“I ran with them my first 10k and how lucky I felt to be involved in this& these guys have been raising money for the last few years for Barnsley neonatal unit they are all hard-working family-oriented guys that manage to fit this into their lifestyle because it means so much to them,” said Hayley.

“I feel they deserve some credit for raising £11,353 for a charity that means so much to us as a family and making it fun at the same time. These guys are a credit to Barnsley and are already planning next year’s challenge.”

Hayley’s wasn’t the only Proud of Barnsley nomination for Ryan and his friends Sean Burke, Richard Copley, Nathan Cox, Daniel Staves, Daniel Freer, Ashley Greenwood, Ian Fearnley, Jordan Bond, Christopher Marshall, Lee Hatfield, Sam Parkin and Sammy Williams.

Five nominations were submitted including one from the hospital charity which has benefited from the fundraising.

It said: “This nomination recognises Ryan Hinchliffe and his dedicated team of friends for their exceptional commitment to supporting Barnsley Hospital Charity and specifically the Barnsley Hospital Neonatal Unit fund, following the premature birth of Freddie..

“The group, all of whom live and work locally in Barnsley, represent the very best of community spirit and teamwork. Their dedication goes above and beyond, with many balancing demanding jobs and family life alongside their fundraising efforts.

“Determined to give back, Ryan began organising a series of ambitious fundraising events, drawing together a team of close friends who were equally committed to making a difference.

“What followed was a series of powerful, community-driven efforts that captured the attention and admiration of many across the area.

“These are local men who turned a personal family challenge into something much bigger, a movement of community pride, compassion, and generosity. Their story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when ordinary people come together with purpose.

“Their contribution to Barnsley deserves recognition not just for the money raised, but for the spirit of selflessness, resilience, and positivity they bring to everything they do. They are a credit to their employers, their families, and their town. Collectively the group have also raised funds for other charities bringing their overall total to over £40,000.”

Ryan was delighted by the nomination: “It’s brilliant, and really great for the lads because it wouldn’t have happened without them.

“It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness of what they do in the unit. I so appreciate everything they have done for us and Freddie. It was a really hard time but they made it so much better for us. I’ll never forget what they did and this is just my way of saying thank you.”