In Memory of Elsie Hazel Williams  9th June 2020 - 17th June 2020

Myself and my youngest daughter, Nat have decided to do a coast to coast bike ride from Morcambe to Bridlington. It is the national cycle route the “Way of the Roses”. This will take us up and over the Pennines with a total climb of over 2500 metres spread over 170 miles. None of us are keen cyclists so it will be a challenge and that’s where we need some help to lift our spirits whilst pedaling. We are doing it for a charity that is very close to our hearts after losing our Granddaughter / niece, Elsie, to Group B strep. Please follow us on my facebook page to follow progress.

A few words from my daughter, Sally and her husband Danny.

Elsie was only with us for a very short time, however during that time we loved her dearly and she made our family complete. It brings us great sadness that our friends and family weren't able to meet our beautiful baby girl, but she will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.
Elsie was cruelly taken from us as a result of contracting group B Strep infection at birth.

Group B Strep is the most common cause of severe infection in newborn babies and can cause sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.
On average, two babies a day in the UK develops group B Strep infection and one baby a week dies as a result of this with others surviving but being left with long-term disabilities - physical, mental or both.

Group B Strep is 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. But these consequences are usually preventable.

Unlike many other developed countries including Germany and Spain, the UK does not routinely offer tests to pregnant women specifically to check for Group B Strep during late pregnancy. If doctors know a mum is carrying GBS, they can administer simple antibiotics during labour to prevent the infection - over 80% of these infections could be prevented.

There is also very little awareness of the deadly infection and its symptoms. Had we had awareness of GBS and some of the symptoms, Elsie could have had a chance of surviving and might still be here today. We don't want any other families to have suffer like we have and are supporting the GBS charity to raise awareness of this infection and attempt to increase testing for new and expectant mums.