ONE small step for these little people – and one big step for the supporters of one of Ipswich's treasured institutions.A dozen toddlers, none no more than two and a half years old, put their best - if unsteady - foot forward to raise money for the neo-natal unit at Ipswich Hospital, formerly known as the special care baby unit.

ONE small step for these little people – and one big step for the supporters of one of Ipswich's treasured institutions.

A dozen toddlers, none no more than two and a half years old, put their best - if unsteady - foot forward to raise money for the neo-natal unit at Ipswich Hospital, formerly known as the special care baby unit.

The sponsored toddle in Christchurch Park was organised by support group Smalltalk, which helps mothers and babies who have passed through the neo-natal unit, and whose first major fundraising bid yesterday's event was.

Senior staff nurse Bonnie McCarthy from the neo-natal unit also joined in the fun.

Around £800 is expected to be split between the unit and the group which provides invaluable support and advice for families whose little loved ones were dependent on the hospital's care and attention early on in their lives.

Founder Julie Francis, of Blaxhall, near Stowmarket, whose two-and-a-half year old twins were born 10 weeks premature, said it was "a brilliant day".

Co-founder Linda Perkins paid tribute to the staff at the hospital who nursed her little girl Katie through a spell in intensive care after she born - and through the trauma of losing Katie's twin sister Megan shortly after birth.

She added that the money will go towards providing Christmas presents for babies in the unit over Christmas as well as making the unit's nursery "a little more homely".

Anyone interested in contacting Smalltalk can call Linda on 01473 711037 or Julie on 01449 736185 or email smalltalk02@yahoo.co.uk.