💙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 Story 💛💙 

In 2018 during labour I was told that on my medical history I showed as testing positive for GBS. This wasn’t something that was discussed with me prior to labour so I did not understand what this meant or the risks to my baby. And I was not given the choice of having antibiotics during labour. (which is what is recommended to reduce the risk of passing this on to your baby) With no knowledge about GBS I wasn’t in a position to make informed choices about my labour and followed instructions of the maternity team. 

Around 12 hours after giving birth I was pressing the emergency button and this happened twice before my daughter was taken to get immediate help followed by lots of tests. The next time I saw her was in intensive care. 

I think it was on day 2/3 they told me she tested positive for GBS and was being treated for an infection which we requested information on GBS so we could understand more of what was going on. (With I’d known about the GBS Support line at the time) We are very lucky that our daughter recovered with no long term effects from this infections. 

It was a traumatic experience which I still haven't quite dealt with fully and joining this fundraiser triggers a lot of emotions for me but also is the passion behind why I am doing this because I truly believe that all women/men/families have the right to making informed choices during their maternity care and the care of their babies.

It would mean so much to me if you could help by sponsoring my “60miles in June” all funds raised going to GBS support. (I will share a post on how your donations help) 

60 miles may not seem a lot to some but with working a full time job, two young children I have worked out I need to cover 5k walking/running every evening throughout the whole of June to hit my target of 60 miles.  

If you aren’t able to donate please share the information it all helps to spread the awareness. 

Thank you so much 💛