A team of Norwich finance staff will be walking about 500 miles between them to help boost funds for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's Cots for Tots Appeal.

The hospital campaign hopes to raise �500,000 to increase the number of cots in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 28 to 32 so that more babies can be cared for locally.

So far the appeal has raised more than �68,000, and 25 members of the NNUH's finance team hope to add to that amount by taking part in a sponsored walk along the North Norfolk coast path.

Dressed in blue and yellow T-shirts to highlight their cause, the team will set off at 7.30am on Thursday, May 26 and walk from Wells Harbour to Cromer Pier.

And yesterday they got into practice by doing a 30-minute training walk together as part of National Walk to Work Week.

Adam Batchelor, deputy finance manager based at the NNUH's Rouen Road office, said 'We wanted to help the Cots for Tots Appeal because it is such a good cause and close to everyone's hearts.

'We hope to raise as much money as possible because every penny does count. We decided to do a walk because it is something everyone can do. It is something we can do as a team and we are looking forward to the challenge.'

Consultant neonatologist Dr Mark Dyke said: 'We're very grateful to the members of the finance department here at the NNUH for getting behind our appeal and organising this fundraiser. Every donation, no matter its size, will make a real difference.'

NICU at NNUH is one of only three specialist neonatal units in the east of England, and when it is at capacity babies have to be sent to the nearest unit in either Cambridge or Luton. NICU currently cares for more than 850 premature and critically ill babies a year and the demand for specialist care is rising.

To sponsor the NNUH finance department team visit http://www.justgiving.com/Finance500

Are you raising funds for a good cause? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk