Two Barnsley market inspectors have racked up a whopping £30,000 Sheffield Hospitals Charity donation to thank city health staff for their loved ones’ kidney care.

Chris Hardy and Neil Hardcastle have hosted golf days, walks, barbecues and bucket collections which have all contributed to the monster fundraising haul as the colleagues clubbed together to raise the cash over seven years.

The money will be split between the Renal Department at the Northern General Hospital, and the Barnsley Satellite Unit, also part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, in memory of a much loved mum-in-law who suffered from kidney problems and in recognition of several other friends and relatives treated by the specialists there.

One of the duo, Chris Hardy, said: “Our fundraising activity idea started at work – three of the team are keen golfers, so we decided to host an inspector’s championship. It was such a success that we’ve continued with the event every year to raise funds for charity.

“At first we didn’t know what our cause would be, but after a discussion we decided to raise funds for kidney research and development as kidney disease has impacted many of our lives.

“My wife’s mum, Barbara, was treated for kidney problems at the Northern General Hospital from 1993, receiving dialysis and continuing treatment at the Barnsley Satellite Unit for a further twelve years.

“Unfortunately Barbara suffered a fall at home in 2008, where she suffered severe complications which ultimately proved too much for her, and she sadly passed away aged 60. Barbara’s husband Glenn and all the family have nothing but praise for the wonderful and dedicated staff at both units for the tremendous care Barbara received at all times.

“One of our colleagues and my cousin have also both undergone kidney transplants and another member of the group, Neil's father in law also suffers with kidney problems.

“In our first year of fundraising we didn’t set any targets, but as the year went on we began thinking we might raise up to £2,000. Unbelievably we went on to raise just short of £5,000, that figure then became our target for future years and we have gone on to raise in excess of £30,000.

“Both Neil and I would like to say a huge thank you to our families and friends for the fantastic help and support they have given us over the last seven years. What has been achieved would not have been possible without them.

“We would also like to thank numerous Barnsley market traders and local businesses for their amazing generosity and providing us with fantastic prizes as well as sponsoring events. Their support has been invaluable.”

To donate to help improve the lives of people with kidney disease, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/why-help-patients/kidney-disease