Norwich neonatal unit’s Cots for Tots appeal gets �1,000 boost

A �500,000 fundraising appeal to buy equipment to help premature babies has been given a helping hand from Norwich's construction industry.

The Norwich Forum for the Construction Industry (NFCI) is donating �1,000 to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's Cots for Tots appeal.

The forum raised a total of �3,000 at its annual Norfolk Property Dinner, which will be split between three children-related charities. The NFCI dinner has raised more than �8,000 for local charities in the last four years.

Consultant neonatologist Dr Mark Dyke said: 'We're very grateful for this donation. Every donation, no matter its size, will make a real difference to us and the babies we look after.'

The Cots for Tots appeal aims to raise the money to help expansion building work at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and equip four new cots for babies needing high dependency or intensive care. A total of �50,000 has been raised so far.

The unit is one of the busiest in the region and its staff look after more than 850 babies a year. To donate to the Cots for Tots appeal, log online at www.justgiving.com/norwichnicu. Alternatively send a cheque payable to the NNUH NHS Foundation Trust with 'NICU Cot Expansion Fund F300' written on the back and send to Communications, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY.