Group B Streptococcus is the UK's most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies and of meningitis in babies under age 3 months. On average in the UK, at least-two babies a day develop a group B Strep infection -one baby a week dies from their GBS infection, and-one baby a week survives with long-term disabilities – physical, mental or both.Yet most group B Strep infections are preventable. Group B Strep Support informs families & health professionals about group B Strep to save tiny lives.

My name is Catrin Pocock and on April 22nd 2018 I will be running the London Marathon. The Charity which I am running for is very close to my Heart and it is Group B Streptococcus.
Group B Strep is a normal bacterium carried by around 1/4 women, without symptoms and usually unknowingly. It can be passed from mother to baby around birth with potentially devastating consequences for the baby. These consequences are usually preventable.
Screening for GBS in the UK is not routinely offered or even spoken about during pregnancies by Midwives or other healthcare professionals. But in many other countries around the world, pregnant women are routinely tested for this.

When my Second child was Born, he contracted GBS and within 24hours his health deteriorated and spend his first week of his life fighting this deadly infection. With the help and Care from the Special Baby Care Unit he made recovery and was aloud to come home. Sadly not all GBS stories are the same.
On average in the UK, 1 newborn baby every day develops Group B Strep infection.
1 baby a week dies from Group B Strep infection and 1 baby a fortnight who survives the infection is left with long term disabilities.
It is the UK’s most common cause of severe bacterial infection in newborn babies, and of meningitis in babies under 3 months.
I am running the London Marathon to raise as much awareness and funds to a charity which helps prevents anymore avoidable deaths of newborn babies.