WHY AM I TAKING PART?

A GBS infection changed the lives of our family. It especially impacts our son Ryder who lives with a neurological disorder and several health conditions as a result of the infection. I am taking part in "500 Skips a Day in October 2024" to spread awareness of and help raise funds for "Group B Strep Support", a fantastic charity committed to providing information, education and support to patients, families and health professionals. ‘Group B Strep Support’ strive to put an end to GBS infections threatening little lives every day!

WHAT IS GROUP B STREP?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the UK's most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies, and of meningitis in babies under 3 months old. In rare cases, such as our son Ryder, it can take up to three months after birth for symptoms to start.

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

- one baby a week survives with long-term disabilities; physical, mental or both.

Yet most group B Strep infections are preventable. By raising awareness of symptoms, tests, diagnosis and treatment for pregnant people, babies and children, ‘Group B Strep Support’ informs and educates families and health professionals about GBS, and campaigns for prevention of infections to save tiny lives!

WHAT IS MY GOAL?

To spread awareness of GBS is the most important part of my campaign. If you or someone you know is pregnant, or recently gave birth to a child, or has a young child, we ask you to please research the symptoms of GBS infections! Equally, to research testing, diagnosis and treatment available for GBS during pregnancy and infancy/childhood.

‘Group B Strep Support’ help to educate families and healthcare professionals, support those diagnosed and their families, and campaign for prevention of GBS. The incredible work they do is funded by public donations, so any financial support is so greatly appreciated.

Group B Strep Support is hosting a ‘100 skips a day in October’ fundraiser event. I have set myself a personal goal of 500 skips a day throughout October with a weighted rope for an extra challenge. I’m looking forward to sharing my progress, raising awareness of GBS, and raising funds for this charity.

RYDER’S STORY

At 8 weeks old, we rushed our son Ryder to A&E with concerning symptoms. After scans and tests, he was diagnosed with meningitis as a result of a GBS infection. Due to the severity of the meningitis infection, Ryder was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. (Hi-droh-KEH-fa-lus) is a condition where there is an abnormal build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. The build-up of fluid was causing pressure in his brain, and he needed to undergo three brain surgeries, several scans and constant observation over the course of four weeks to stabilise his health.

Ryder’s diagnosis of GBS was completely missed until he developed other infections as a result and was showing the most severe and life-threatening symptoms. Ryder recieved the most wonderful care in hospital, and we are incredibly grateful for Ryder’s strength, and to the many healthcare professionals in hospital who are responsible for saving his life. At 11 weeks old, Ryder underwent a very serious operation to have a VP shunt permanently inserted into his brain to help manage fluid build-up and pressure in his brain. He will forever live with hydrocephalus as a result of his GSB infection, and though there are many concerns and uncertainties regarding his health in the future, we are grateful for every day shared together.

Nearly two years on, Ryder has just celebrated his second birthday, and is incredibly lucky to be meeting his developmental milestones with the aid of an incredible healthcare team. His cheeky smile and bright curiousity touch the hearts of everyone he meets, and we are so incredibly proud of his strength and courage!

Of course, we cannot help but think ‘what if’? Unfortunately we will always wonder what would be different if we had more awareness of GBS and testing during pregnancy. Therefore, it is my goal to raise as much awareness for the amazing work this charity does.

Thank you so much for your support in my campaign to raise awareness and donations to this amazing charity!