More Norfolk businesses are being urged to sign up to celebrate Macmillan Cancer Support's 100th birthday this year.

The charity is calling on 100 local businesses to each raise �1,000, which would pay for a Macmillan nurse for one week.

Thanks to the generosity of the public, more than 50 Macmillan nurses, doctors, dieticians and occupational therapists have already been funded by the Norfolk Business Challenge.

One of the companies taking part is West Norfolk accountancy firm Mapus-Smith & Lemmon, where staff have been preparing for a three-day 100km challenge with a target to raise �5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support over this bank holiday weekend.

Earlier this month, the Wensum Valley Hotel Leisure Centre, in Taverham, near Norwich, held a cycle challenge where participants cycled 1,000 miles on exercise bikes and attendees from the water aerobics classes also helped raise funds.

Meanwhile, the team at Quattro Recruitment, in Norwich, completed the City of Norwich Half Marathon in March, and PKF, which has offices in Norwich and Great Yarmouth, has also signed to sign up to the challenge and started fundraising via collection pots.

Helen Chapman, Macmillan fundraising manager for Norwich and central Norfolk, said: 'I'm so excited about this challenge. Some fantastic companies have signed up already and in the local fundraising office, we're ready with help, ideas and merchandise to support all the businesses that take part throughout 2011.

'There are real business benefits to be gained from signing up. Whether companies are looking to engage with their local community, team build, gain publicity or just have fun, fundraising for Macmillan can help achieve all these goals. And you'll also be making a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.'

Macmillan plans to thank every business that takes part through the media, a listing on their website and an invitation to an end of year celebration to congratulate everyone on their achievement.

There are many ways for companies to get involved – whether by staff holding or taking part in events, by encouraging support from customers or by making a donation.

Douglas Macmillan started what was to become Macmillan Cancer Support after watching his father die of cancer in 1911.

? If you think your company would be interested in taking part in the Norfolk Business Challenge 2011, or you'd like more information about ways to get involved with Macmillan and the services they offer in your region, contact Helen at the Norfolk fund-raising office on 01603 724360 or email the team at norfolk@macmillan.org.uk.

david.bale2@archant.co.uk