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

Myself and my friend Hannah, have decided to do a skydive in July 2025. Neither of us have ever done a skydive before but have always wanted to experience it. We are doing it to raise money for a charity that is very close to my heart after losing my niece, Elsie Hazel Williams, to Group B Strep. In 2020, my niece contracted this infection during birth and unfortunately passed on at only 8 days old.

Group B Streptococcus is the UK's most common cause of severe, life-threatening infection in newborn babies and can cause sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.

On average in the UK, at least; two babies a day develop a group B Strep infection, one baby a week dies as a result of their GBS infection 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. Yet most group B Strep infections are 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 this deadly infection and its symptoms. Had my sister and family had awareness of GBS and some of the symptoms, Elsie could have had a chance of surviving and might still be here today. Group B Strep Support informs families & health professionals about Group B Strep to save tiny lives.

We don't want any other families to 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.

Any donations are greatly appreciated!

Thank you