THE funeral of a retired engineer fitter from the coal mining industry - who was also great-grandfather to 11 - saw £1,000 given in donations to Barnsley Hospital’s neonatal unit.

Bernard Warden’s daughter, Bronia Warden, said her dad never imagined he would be around to see any of his great-grandchildren.

He and his wife, who died ten years ago, always lived around the ‘Calis’ area of Barnsley - California Terrace and California Street off Park Road near Locke Park.

Their first-born child died of heart problems at six weeks, which is why the family decided to have a collection at Bernard’s cremation for the neonatal unit.

Bronia, a health worker who works in falls prevention, said: “My mum and dad went on to have five sons, all born at home, and then had me, the youngest, born in hospital.

“My dad loved having a big family and was an extremely funny gentleman as well as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”

Bernard died on December 20 aged 92, but collections from his funeral service totalling £1,000 have now been donated.

Jane Mills, the hospital’s charity development manager, added: “I’d like to thank Bronia and her family for this generous donation in memory of Bernard.

“It will enable us to keep making a difference for babies on the neonatal unit.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet the grandchildren and great grandchildren and they are a real credit to the family.”