We had to say our goodbyes on Christmas Eve

GBSS news
Published June 2013
“We had to say our goodbyes
on Christmas Eve”
Contents:
Riley’s Story
1
Key Facts
2
Forward3
News4
Baby Stories
9
Donations12
Why Fundraise?
14
Fundraising News
15
Baby Congratulations 25
Research Papers
26
Raffle & GBSS Shop
27
How you can help –
campaign with us
28
Group B Strep Support
PO Box 203, Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 1GF
Tel /answer phone: 01444 416176
Fax: 0870 803 0024
(calls charged at national rates)
E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk
Website: www.gbss.org.uk
GBSS News is edited & published
from the above address.
Registered Charity No: 1112065
Company Reg No: 5587535
Registered Charity 1112065 | Registered Company 5587535
Jade Jones’ son, Riley,
developed group B Strep
meningitis at 3 weeks old and now
suffers from cerebral palsy. Riley,
born at just 26 weeks’ gestation on
1st December 2011 in Newcastle,
spent three weeks on the intensive
care unit and was doing well. His
Mum and Dad were so pleased
at how he was doing, bearing in
mind he had arrived so early – he
was only on a ventilator for one
day and then moved to the high
dependency unit. However, just a
couple of hours later, he became
agitated and was unable to feed.
Then he became lethargic.
Jade says, “On the day he was
moved to the high dependency
unit, he became unwell. He was
crying and grizzly, but the nurse
on duty didn’t think too much
of it. It just so happened that the
nurse who had looked after him
in intensive care popped by to
see how he was doing and was
concerned that Riley’s symptoms
were so out of the ordinary
for him. She called the doctor
immediately. And at that moment,
Riley crashed and stopped
breathing. The doctor immediately
administered antibiotics, the right
ones for group B Strep, and he
began to respond.
Two days later, the result came
back positive for GBS infection.
Riley was a very sick boy – GBS
nearly took our son’s life – we had
to say our goodbyes on Christmas
Eve.”
Thankfully, Riley has recovered
from his GBS infection but it has
left an unwanted legacy, “He is
a happy, lovely little boy,” says
Jade, “but he has little muscle
movement – he is unable to sit
up and can do little else with his
body apart from roll over. He also
developed chronic lung disease
because he was on a ventilator for
so long, he developed pneumonia,
sepsis and meningitis. We are
now under the guidance of ten
consultants to help us look after
Riley and his needs.
“We had never heard of GBS until the doctors gave us the result of his
tests. It is vital that expectant Mums know about this infection and to
realise how deadly it can be.”
Jade is now expecting her second baby and wanted to be tested for GBS*
this time around. However, the ‘gold standard’ test is not available from her
local NHS trust and she was quoted £300 by a nearby private hospital.
*Since Riley had GBS infection, Jade should automatically be offered
intravenous antibiotics in any future labours, regardless of any test result.
The ‘gold standard’ enriched culture medium (ECM) tests are only
available currently at a handful of NHS trusts, but they are easily accessible
privately for around £35 (see www.gbss.org.uk/test for availability).
2
Group B Strep – key facts
Group B Streptococcus (GBS
or Strep B) is a common
bacterium. It’s present in
the intestines of up to 30% of
adults, who carry it without any
symptoms and without it causing
any harm. In women, it can
also be in the vagina. Carrying
GBS is normal and doesn’t need
treatment.
It’s important pregnant women know about GBS
because it can cause serious infections (such
as septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis) in
vulnerable newborn babies up to age 3 months.
However, most GBS infections in newborn babies
are preventable by giving Mums whose babies are
at raised risk of GBS infection antibiotics (usually
penicillin) through a vein from the start of labour
and at 4 hourly intervals until delivery. This will
prevent most GBS infections in newborn babies
by ensuring the baby has plenty of antibiotics on
board when born.
A newborn baby is at raised risk of developing
GBS infection when:
• Mum has previously had a baby who had GBS
infection
• GBS has been found in a urine sample, or
vaginal or rectal swab taken from Mum during
the current pregnancy
• Mum has a fever in labour
• Labour starts or waters break before 37
completed weeks of pregnancy
• The waters are broken for more than 18
hours before the baby is born
Oral antibiotics during pregnancy are given when
GBS is found in the urine (to clear the urine
infection) and then in labour Mum should be
offered intravenous antibiotics. Oral antibiotics
are not recommended when GBS has just been
found on a vaginal or rectal swab as they are not
effective at clearing GBS from the intestines or
vagina and have not been shown to prevent GBS
infection in babies.
Unlike many other developed countries, testing
for GBS is not routinely offered in the UK and
many NHS hospitals do not have access to the
sensitive ‘gold standard’ tests for GBS carriage
(ECM or Enriched Culture Medium tests). ECM
tests are currently only available from a few NHS
trusts although we anticipate their becoming more
widely available during 2013. They are available
privately with home-testing packs available from
£35. NHS trusts and private laboratories and
clinics offering ECM tests are listed at
www.gbss.org.uk/test
What does GBSS want to
happen in the UK?
In summary, we want:
• every pregnant woman to be given
information on group B Strep as a
routine part of her antenatal care;
• every pregnant woman whose baby is
at low-risk of developing GBS infection
to be offered a sensitive test for GBS
carriage at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy
(and, where these tests are not freely available
from the hospital, all pregnant women should
be told that they are available privately – see
www.gbss.org.uk/test)
• every pregnant woman whose baby
is at higher-risk of developing GBS
infection (those where GBS has been
found during the current pregnancy, those
who have previously had a baby with GBS
disease, and those where one or more
recognised risk factors are present) to be
offered intravenous antibiotics from
the start of labour until delivery and,
for those women whose babies are at
highest risk, for these antibiotics to be
recommended to them.
We believe the above is the best approach for
preventing GBS infection in newborn babies in
the UK. It is both clinically and cost effective—and
much more so than the current ‘best practice’
of risk-based screening, as a number of recent
articles* have emphasised.
• One day, a vaccine against GBS infection may
be available to be given to women before or
during pregnancy. This could prevent yet more
cases of GBS infection, including late-onset
GBS infection and adult GBS infection and
must be an urgent research priority.
• Until a safe and reliable GBS vaccine
is available, we should implement
strategies that would prevent most of
the preventable cases of GBS infection
… not just sit back and wait until
better prevention is available.
* Preventative strategies for group B streptococcal
and other bacterial infection in early infancy: cost
effectiveness and value of information analyses.
BMJ 2007 Sep 29;335(7621):655. Colbourn TE,
Asseburg C, Bojke L, Philips Z, Welton NJ, Claxton
Ades AE, Gilbert RE. Cost-effectiveness of rapid
tests and other existing strategies for screening and
management of early-onset group B streptococcus
during labour. BJOG. 2010 Dec;117(13):1616-27.
Kaambwa B, Bryan S, Gray J, Milner P, Daniels J,
Khan KS, Roberts TE.
Dr Chris Steele MBE, GBSS patron says:
“Group B Strep infections in
newborn babies can be devastating
but can usually be prevented – get
informed and protect your baby.
I’d like to see every pregnant woman in
the UK offered a reliable test for GBS
on the NHS – this test is a routine part
of antenatal care in many countries
including France, Canada, Spain, Argentina
and the USA. I’d urge any pregnant
woman to get informed about GBS, and
get tested.”
Preventing life-threatening GBS infection in newborn babies
www.gbss.org.uk
tel: 01444 416176
Registered charity number: 1112065 | Registered company number: 5587535
3
Forward
By Jane Plumb MBE,
chief executive of
Group B Strep Support
Last year was an incredibly busy year for the charity; we and so many of our wonderful supporters worked
tirelessly to convince the powers that be of the case for the provision of information and sensitive testing for
group B Streptococcus as a routine part of antenatal care in the UK.
At the same time, the ongoing work continued – we sent out information materials to expectant and new
parents and their health professionals. We attended and spoke at conferences and study days. We answered
questions about group B Strep by phone, email, letter and on social media. Visits to our website rose by a
staggering 50% and hits were up by 166%.
Our members and supporters were also spurred on to generate greater awareness and together we raised the
profile of group B Strep in the published media, on TV, radio and online, as well as in parliament.
Sadly, we continued to hear from and offer information and support to families who had suffered as a result of
GBS. As one mother said, “I can’t explain the pain. It’s not something that I could ever imagine feeling ever again. I
don’t know anything that compares.”
Life-threatening group B Strep infections in newborn babies can usually be prevented – a simple, safe and
inexpensive test towards the end of pregnancy can establish whether Mum is carrying the bacteria, allowing
antibiotics to be given during labour to minimise the risk of GBS infection in her newborn baby.
During 2012, there was a flurry of activity with UK guidelines relating to group B Strep. The UK National
Screening Committee looked at the evidence and decided against introducing routine screening for pregnant
women for group B Strep at the end of last year. This decision was devastating. The number of GBS infections
continues to rise in the UK, falling in other countries where routine screening has been introduced. How is that
not compelling evidence? We may have lost the battle, but we have not lost the war as we strive to increase
awareness and pressure decision makers for change.
The year ended on an encouraging note – at a meeting with the Minister for Health, Dr Dan Poulter, and the
Chief Medical Officer, Prof Dame Sally Davies, they said that steps would be taken to ensure NHS hospitals will
be able to access the ‘gold standard’ ECM (Enriched Culture Medium) tests for group B Strep carriage. We are
delighted by this and look forward to it becoming a reality during 2013.
And finally I would like to say thank you to everyone who does so much to prevent as many of these devastating
infections in newborn babies as possible. Not everyone is named in this newsletter (though quite a few are!), but
so many go to enormous lengths to raise awareness, raise funds and improve the prevention of these infections
in the UK. Thank you to every one of you – you never cease to amaze and inspire us.
Medical
Advisory
Panel
And an enormous thank you to
all of the members of the charity’s
Medical Advisory Panel – we
thank them for their seemingly
indefatigable (thankfully) generosity
with their time, knowledge and
expertise and for their continued
support. Thank you all so very
much.
Prof Philip Steer BSc MD FRCOG
(Chairman)
Emeritus professor at Imperial College
and consultant obstetrician at the
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in
London
Dr Christine McCartney
OBE, FRCPath Senior Adviser on
Microbiology Services to CEO, Public
Health England, London
Dr Alison Bedford-Russell MRCP
Clinical Director for Neonatology at
Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation
Trust and West Midlands Strategic
Clinical Network Clinical Director for
Maternity & Newborn, Birmingham
Philippa Cox Consultant Midwife/
Supervisor of Midwives, CWSH
Management Office, Homerton
University Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust, London
GBSS Our Executive Committee
A huge thank you to each of the members of
our Executive Committee, who go above and
beyond the call of duty in so many ways.
Members of the Executive Committee, with
their particular areas of responsibility or
interest, are:
Debbie Slater Chair (and Fundraising)
Ginny ClaytonMidwife
Jane Plumb Chief Executive
Susie Gregory Dawn Abbotts Treasurer
Robert Plumb Secretary
Policy
Anne HughesGeneral
4
Screening will save newborn lives
report launched in Summer 2012
GBSS
commissioned
a report
which makes
the simple
case that
the current
approach of
only treating
women
identified
through ‘risk
factors’ is
ineffective.
The report,
“Screening
will save
newborn
lives: A case
for the introduction of routine screening for
group B streptococcus in late pregnancy,” was launched at a reception hosted
by Alison Seabeck MP at The House of Commons. The event was attended by
parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and
the speakers were Alison Seabeck MP, Professor Philip Steer, Emeritus Professor at
Imperial College, consultant obstetrician at The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
and Chair of the Group B Strep Support Medical Advisory Panel, Jane Plumb MBE,
chief executive of GBSS and Charlotte Cheshire, who spoke so movingly about
how group
B Strep has
affected her
son, Adam.
that are done are not designed to detect GBS and give a high level of falsely
negative results, meaning women think they are free from GBS when they are not.
Tests are available for GBS which pose no risk to mother or baby, but they are
currently only available privately. They should be offered on the NHS.”
Professor Philip Steer, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College said, “Group B Strep
infection is the commonest infection complicating labour and the newborn period,
and the evidence is now compelling that in the UK the problem is increasing,
affecting up to as many as 1,000 babies (and their families) per year. For too many,
the complication is fatal. This is despite reductions of four fifths or more in the
rate of infections due to GBS in many other developed countries, where routine
screening of mothers at 35-37 weeks’ gestation has been introduced.”
GBSS believes that the Government should act now to ensure women get the very
best advice and support during their pregnancy. This should include information on
the serious nature of group B Strep infection, the offer of sensitive testing, followed
by appropriate antibiotics during labour to protect the baby from infection.
“The evidence from around the world demonstrates that the most effective way
to prevent avoidable pain and suffering caused by group B Strep infection would be
a national information and testing programme,” says Jane Plumb.
GBSS Patron,
Dr Chris
Steele MBE,
attended
the event
and said,
“At present
there is no
national
testing for
group B
Strep in
pregnancy.
The tests
Meeting your MP
Su Newton and her MP, Sir Bob Russell
In September 2012, supporter Su Newton met with her MP, Sir Bob Russell, at
the House of Commons. She shared with him her story (see page 10). Sir Bob
seemed particularly touched by how ill her daughter, Emily, had been and how –
had Su been tested for group B Strep late in her pregnancy – her illness could have
been prevented.
Sir Bob agreed to sign the EDMs tabled by his colleagues at Westminster and to ask
questions in the House on this important subject. This he has done and continues
to do – and the answers received are helping to inform the GBSS campaign for
better prevention of these devastating infections in newborn babies.
Su said about the meeting: “I was really pleased that my MP was prepared to meet
with me and to hear first-hand the effects that group B Strep infection can have
on babies and their families. He was very supportive – I would encourage others
to contact their MPs and inform them of the lack of testing offered by the NHS.
Fortunately, Sir Bob, having heard Emily’s experience and after reading literature
provided by Group B Strep Support, was armed with the reason to sign the Early
Day Motions and ask questions in Parliament. I consider this a huge success in
terms of raising awareness and would urge others to do the same.”
5
Health Protection Agency
UK Standard for Microbiology Investigations – Testing for Group
B Strep Carriage
be treated with caution. However, the impact of the local awareness campaign of
2011 cannot be ruled out.
In August 2012, the Standards Unit of the Health Protection Agency’s Microbiology
Services Division issued an update to their UK Standards for Microbiology
Investigations (SMI), Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage.* The
document has been updated for clarity and is presented in a new format, although
there are no major changes to the guidance.
The overall trend in England, Wales & Northern Ireland is of a rising incidence of
group B Strep infections in babies, despite the introduction of national guidelines in
2003. The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists introduced their Green
Top Guideline 36 against GBS infection in newborn babies in 2003. The number of
cases reported in England, Wales & Northern Ireland for 2004, the following year,
and for 2011 is shown below:
This SMI describes the processing of specimens from pregnant women for carriage
of group B Streptococci and provides a standardised method for culture where
clinicians decide to investigate specific patients. As the SMI states,
“according to local protocols, patients judged clinically to be at high risk for
the development of Group B streptococcal infection may be investigated for
carriage. The isolation rate of GBS from clinical specimens depends on several
factors. Studies have shown that the accuracy of prenatal screening cultures
for identification of GBS colonisation can be enhanced by attention to the
timing of cultures, the sites swabbed and the microbiological method used for
culture of organisms. Collection of swabs between 35 and 37 weeks’ gestation
is recommended to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detection of
colonisation at the time of delivery*. Optimum yield will be achieved by
selective/enrichment procedures applied to swabs obtained from the vagina
and the anorectum which increases the likelihood of GBS isolation by up
to 30% compared with vaginal or cervical culture alone. Vaginal and rectal
swabs are likely to isolate a diverse array of normal flora and use of selective
enrichment broth is recommended to avoid overgrowth of other organisms.”
It remains astonishing to us at GBSS that so few NHS hospitals make this test
available either to pregnant women in their care or at the request of their health
professionals.
* Health Protection Agency. (2012). Processing Swabs for Group B Streptococcal Carriage.
UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations. B 58 Issue 2.2. www.hpa.org.uk/webc/
HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132860736
Little change in reported incidence of preventable group B Strep
infections in England, Wales & Northern Ireland combined
The voluntarily reported incidence of GBS infection in live-born babies remained
relatively unchanged in 2011 compared with 2010 in England & Wales, though
there has been a welcome fall in Northern Ireland. The reason for this fall is
unclear and, due to small sample sizes, the numbers for Northern Ireland need to
Group B Strep Infections in babies reported to the Health Protection Agency
(Early Onset 0-6 days, Late Onset 7-90 days) for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland 2004-2011
Source: GBS infections in babies aged 0-90 days are reported on a voluntary basis to the
Health Protection Agency and reported each November. Data are not collected for stillborn
babies. Reports from 2001 to 2011 available from the HPA at www.hpa.org.uk/web/
HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListDate/Page/1202487097746
Disappointingly, reported early-onset GBS infections in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland combined increased between 2004 and 2011 by over 35%, with
the rate per 1,000 live births increasing by almost 20%.
The early-onset GBS infections are often preventable by identifying situations
where a baby is at raised risk and offering the mother intravenous antibiotics
in labour to minimise that risk. At present, late-onset GBS infections are not
preventable - early recognition of signs and symptoms consistent with late onset
GBS infection and early treatment is vital – although researchers around the world
are working on a vaccine which one day may prevent early, late and adult GBS
infection.
Antibiotics for the Prevention and
Treatment of Neonatal Infection
New National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline
Published in August 2012, this new National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence (NICE) guideline focuses on the use of antibiotics for the prevention
and treatment of early-onset (within 72 hours of birth) bacterial infection in
newborn babies, including those caused by GBS.
The new guideline makes a number of recommendations, including:
• A framework based on risk factors and clinical indicators should be used to
identify and treat babies with an increased likelihood of having an early-onset
neonatal infection.
• Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis should be offered in a timely manner to
women whose babies are at higher risk of infection (including all pregnant
women from whom GBS is found during their current pregnancy).
• Babies with suspected early-onset neonatal infection should receive antibiotics
as quickly as possible (within one hour of the decision to treat).
• Benzylpenicillin and gentamicin should be used in combination as the firstchoice antibiotic regimen for treating suspected early onset neonatal infection.
• When starting antibiotic treatment in babies with risk factors for infection or
clinical indicators of possible infection, a blood culture should be performed
before administering the first dose.
Mark Turner, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Neonatology, University of
Liverpool and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the guideline
development group said: “I was very pleased to be involved in the development
of these important new guidelines which set out clear recommendations for those
treating and managing neonatal infection. The NHS needs to prioritise treatment for
sick babies as well as ensure antibiotics are used sensibly.”
Farrah Pradhan, parent member of the guideline development
group said: “As a parent of two children that were both born
prematurely, I know first-hand what a difficult and trying time
this can be, especially if a baby also has a bacterial infection. I
welcome these guidelines, and I hope they will help healthcare
professionals deliver excellent care to pregnant women and
their newborn babies.”
Jane Plumb said: “These guidelines which will help ensure that antibiotics are
used wisely for both the prevention and the treatment of bacterial infections in
newborn babies. By giving clear guidance on which antibiotics to use before and
after birth and also on situations where antibiotics are not indicated, they will help
clinicians use the most appropriate antibiotics wisely and well. And that can only be
a good thing. ”
More information about the guideline, including implementation tools, can be found
as follows:
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149 – the guideline itself
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/SlideSet – Educational slide set
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/BaselineAssessment/xls/English – baseline assessment tool
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/CostingTemplate/xls/English – costing tool
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/CostingReport/pdf/English – costing report
www.guidance.nice.org.uk/CG149/ElectronicAudit/xls/English – electronic audit tool
6
Royal College of
Obstetricians &
Gynaecologists
In July 2012, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists released their
updated Greentop guideline on the prevention of early-onset group B Streptococcal
disease (No 36).
Disappointingly, few changes have been made to the first edition (published in 2003),
despite a lengthy consultation process to which GBSS and others contributed.
The statement that routine bacteriological screening of all pregnant women for
antenatal GBS carriage is not recommended remains unchanged (this is a Grade
D recommendation, using Level 4 evidence – expert opinion). Given the wealth
of evidence from other countries which screen and have seen their incidence fall
dramatically (while the UK’s incidence is rising), which RCOG chooses to believe
might be inappropriate to extrapolate to the UK, this is very disappointing.
There are some minor improvements to the updated guideline, particularly in
giving more clarity (for example, the guidelines now use the term ‘offer’ rather than
‘consider’ giving antibiotics in labour for women found to carry GBS during the
current pregnancy) and including guidance on vaginal cleansing which had not been
there before.
On the other hand, the guideline recommends against antenatal testing for group B
Strep carriage, continues to treat unknown GBS carriage status the same as negative
GBS carriage status (which will be untrue for up to 30% of women), has removed a
recommendation for prolonged rupture of membranes (a recognised risk factor for
GBS infection in newborn babies) and fails to mention the difference between the
tests for GBS carriage currently available in the UK.
As worrying are statements of facts which don’t bear scrutiny – for example, the
statement “the incidence of EOGBS disease in the absence of systematic screening…
is similar to that seen in the USA after universal screening and intra-partum antibiotic
prophylaxis” is false. In 2011 in the USA, the incidence of EOGBS infection was
0.26 cases per 1,000 live births (ABCs Report: Group B Streptococcus, 2011 www.
cdc.gov/abcs/reports-findings/survreports/gbs11.html); in 2011 in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland, the incidence voluntarily reported to the Health
Protection Agency for early-onset GBS infection was 0.38 per 1,000 live births, 46%
higher than the incidence in the US (HPA. Pyogenic and non-pyogenic streptococcal
bacteraemia, England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 2011. Health Protection Report
[serial online] 2012; 6(46): Bacteraemia www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/
HPAweb_C/1317136996075).
Whilst there are some improvements to the 2012 update, they are tweaks and
clarifications rather than fundamental change in guidance. This is very disappointing.
We at GBSS remain convinced that the best way to prevent more EOGBS infection
is by informing all pregnant women about group B Strep and offering them a sensitive
test late in pregnancy, with intravenous antibiotics offered in labour to women whose
babies are at higher risk.
The evidence from countries which offer screening shows significant falls in EOGBS
infection – the UK incidence since the introduction of the RCOG’s risk based
prevention guideline in 2003 has risen. The graph below shows data from England
and Wales only, with the blue section representing early-onset GBS infection. We had
hoped that the RCOG would look at the evidence and realise that their risk-based
strategy isn’t working and that it’s time to change. Unfortunately they didn’t.
Hong Kong introduces
Universal Prenatal
Screening for
Group B Strep
With effect from January 2012, the
Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA)
and the Department of Health (DH)
have jointly launched a screening
programme for Group B Streptococcus
(GBS) for pregnant women.
the prevalence of EOGBS disease.
Overseas experience has shown
that the incidence of EOGBS drops
dramatically with the introduction
of universal swab-based prevention
strategy.”
The Director of Health says,
You can read the full announcement at
www.pco.gov.hk/tc_chi/home/files/
Letter_to_private_hospital_and_
doctors_GBS_Rev.pdf.
“GBS is the commonest cause
of severe early onset infection in
newborn infants with a high rate
of morbidity and mortality. Of GBS
meningitis, about 50% can have
neurodevelopmental impairment.
Colonisation of GBS in the maternal
gastrointestinal and/or genital
tracts is strongly associated with
early neonatal infection. In Hong
Kong, the incidence of early
onset GBS (EOGBS) infection in
newborn is around 1.0 per 1000
births. Intrapartum antibiotic
administration effectively decreases
We at GBSS are delighted that women
in Hong Kong have been added to the
growing list of developed countries
which offer antenatal screening for
GBS with those who are found to
be positive given antibiotics in labour
intravenously. Other countries which
we understand offer sensitive tests
for GBS to women during pregnancy
include: Australia, Argentina, Belgium,
Canada, Chile, Czech Republic,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya,
Lithuania, Oman, Poland, Spain, Slovenia,
Switzerland and the USA.
The UK National Screening
Committee rules against
universal screening for
group B Strep in pregnancy
In October 2012, the UK National Screening Committee completed a public
consultation on the issue of routine screening for group B Strep. GBSS raised
awareness of the consultation via the media and e-petition and encouraged
responses from the public, health professionals and others.
In December, the decision was announced against antenatal screening for
group B strep. Needless to say GBSS was very, very disappointed with this
decision especially given the evidence of its effectiveness in other countries
and the support of so many for screening. Over 200 individuals, health
professionals, MPs, charities and medical bodies contributed to the consultation
and more than 90% of the comments submitted were in favour of screening
– so far, the NSC has failed to respond to any of the points raised during the
public consultation process.
The document for public consultation can be viewed on their website at
www.screening.nhs.uk/groupbstreptococcus, as can the comments
made during the public consultation.
GBSS’s chief executive, Jane Plumb, MBE commented, “The decision not to
recommend for routine screening for group B Strep is devastating. I am at a
loss as to why the UK National Screening Committee has refused to see that
the current situation in the UK is unacceptable and that the introduction of
routine screening is the best way forward.”
You can read GBSS’s more details response to the update at
www.gbss.org.uk/RCOG2012.
The situation will be reviewed again in 2015/16 “or earlier if significant new
evidence emerges”.
7
Measures of awareness
Measures of awareness include website visits, media articles and information
enquiries. Over the last 3 years, these are:
Website Visits
Website Hits
Articles
New Enquiries
2012
2011
2010
196,873
6,357,189
77
2,093
131,662
2,389,594
33
1,890
93,699
1,700,587
40
1,925
In 2012, our website had a total of 196,873 visits, more than double the number in
2010. The most popular day to visit our site is on Mondays, with the preferred time
being 9 and 10 am (between noon and 1pm running a close second). 68% of our
visitors were from Great Britain, 16% from the United States and the rest from 123
other countries. Most visitors typed in our web address directly, or had bookmarked
us (75%) or found our website via a search engine (11%); the rest used links on
one of 2,972 different webpages. The top 5 were facebook, Babycentre, nhs.uk,
emmasdiary and milkchic.
Each visit averaged 5 pages, with the most popular downloads being our GBS The
Facts for Health Professionals (3,569 downloads), followed by the introductory
“Group B Strep & Pregnancy” leaflet (3,524) then our June 2012 report “The case for
screening” (2,956 downloads). Our PowerPoint presentations also proved popular,
with 2,740 being downloaded.
Media coverage about group B Strep and the charity in 2012 included in the
Consumer Press (Chat, Living Magazine, Pick Me Up, Pregnancy & birth, Prima Baby,
Sussex Life, Sussex Living magazine, Take a Break, That’s Life), Medical Press (Midwives
Journal, Operating Theatre Journal), national and regional press (The Daily Express,
The Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, The Express, The Huffington Post,
The Manchester Evening News, The Sun, The Sunday Post, The Telegraph, The Times),
on TV and radio (BBC Radio Somerset, Bright fm 106.4, BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour,
UTV, Granada Television, ITV Anglia) as well as on websites and in local papers (The
Argus, The Banbridge Leader, Daily Gazette, Derbyshire Times, Dromore Leader, Essex
County Standard, Harlow Star, Hertfordshire Mercury, Huddersfield Daily Examiner,
Journal Live, Londonderry Sentinel, Lowestoft Journal, Metro, Mid Sussex Leader, Mid
Sussex Times, Milngavie Herald, Northern Echo, Selby Times, Spectator Newspapers,
The News (Portsmouth), This is Leicestershire, This is Somerset.co.uk, This is the West
Country, Wales Online).
What’s the story?
A huge thank you to all the families who
have helped us, and continue to do so,
telling their stories about how GBS has
affected them. A personal story will
bring an article to life and often tip the
balance in favour of it being published.
And stories can speak volumes about
GBS and bring the spotlight onto why
providing information on group B Strep
to all expectant and new parents is so
important.
All stories are important, though
sometimes journalists are very specific
about what sort of story they’re
looking for. During 2012, there have
been over 70 articles published in
various media concerning GBS, and
many of these featured a family telling
their stories – from families who
found out about group B Strep during
pregnancy, Mum had antibiotics in
labour and the baby arriving safely to
families who had babies sick
with GBS infection. If you have
a story you’d like to tell and
want to help raise much needed
awareness, please let us know
at info@gbss.co.uk and we’ll
help if we can.
Would you try to get your local
newspaper interested by announcing
your fundraising event or your story?
You can download our local
press release template from
the website at
www.gbss.org.uk/fundraiserPR
Exhibiting for awareness
When resources allow, GBSS will
speak or exhibit at key healthcare
conferences around the country.
Many of these important events
provide a valuable opportunity for us
to speak directly with professionals
involved in maternity care about
better prevention of GBS infection
in newborn babies. Here are some
highlights from 2012:
6th LSA National Conference took
place in January 2012 at the East
Midlands Conference Centre in
Nottingham and was attended by just
over 500 senior midwives and heads
of midwifery. This conference is always
busy, providing information to senior
health professionals and updating
them on the latest guidelines on GBS
prevention.
Primary Care North Conference in
Manchester, January. Jane Plumb MBE,
GBSS’ chief executive, spoke on “group
B Strep in pregnancy and newborn
babies” in the Mother and Baby stream.
We also had a stand at the conference,
getting information materials to
relevant health professionals.
Primary Care Conference in
Birmingham, May. We have exhibited
before at this important two-day
conference and this year it was
attended by over 5,000 health care
delegates including midwives, GPs and
health visitors.
Royal College of Midwives Annual
Conference. This took place later in
November, in Brighton. Over 1,000
midwives and student midwives from
across the UK came together to
discuss and debate key topics that are
crucial to the profession, with many
student midwives keen to gather GBS
information for their dissertations.
Speakers included senior politicians, plus
international and UK midwifery and
maternity experts.
Prevention of Perinatal group B
streptococcal through Maternal
Immunization, Siena. In July, Jane Plumb
jointly led one of the workshops at the
Novartis GBS Vaccine conference with
Gina Burns, President of Group B Strep
Association.
The conference was devoted to issues
surrounding GBS vaccine development.
The morning session held presentations
on the history and development of a
GBS vaccine and the key note speaker
was Dr Carol Baker. There was a
review of the epidemiology of GBS by
Dr Paul Heath; Dr Stephanie Schrag of
CDC provided details of the current
prevention strategy in the USA. Doctors
Mark Steinhoff and Karen Slobod
provided detailed discussions of vaccine
specifics.
The afternoon session comprised
six working groups each with 10-15
members. Jane and Gina chaired the
GBS Public Awareness, Advocacy
group. Key questions arising from the
discussion included:
1. How will a vaccine given to a
pregnant mother in order to
protect her unborn baby be
perceived?
2. What are the best methods to
disseminate and educate about the
upcoming vaccine?
3. Since the vaccine is approximately
ten or more years out before it will
be ready for the public use, what
needs to be done in the meantime
to continue bringing awareness to
the disease?
Jane said, “It was a privilege to be
included in this group of incredibly
dedicated professionals. We cannot
thank them enough for their
commitment to this vaccine and to GBS
prevention, not just in the newborn, but
the mother, those who have chronic
diseases, and the elderly. The vaccine
would not only be used for protecting
newborn babies. We can’t wait.”
We’d love to do more presentations to help ensure that relevant health
professionals are fully up to date with preventative measures for mums-to-be,
and of all the recent changes to relevant guidelines. If you’re interested for your
hospital or practice, please do get in touch.
8
Meet the Midwife – Ginny Clayton
GBSS put some questions to Ginny to
find out what it is really like to be a
busy midwife
What drew you to the
profession?
Prior to training as a midwife I was a
solicitor for ten years but it was my
experience during and after the births
of my own two children that started
me thinking of retraining and I became
fascinated with the role of a midwife.
It is true to say that most midwives
find it hard to explain why they chose
the profession. Often, it can be a
desire that they have held from a very
young age or sometimes they can be
influenced by the care they had during
their own pregnancy.
Whatever the reason, no two days in
the job are ever be the same; Ginny
Clayton has been a midwife for five
and half years and has lost count of
how many babies she has delivered.
She is also a Trustee for Group B Strep
Support.
Describe a typical day (if you
can!)
There is no such thing as a typical day.
I am hospital based so can find myself
one day working on the delivery suite
caring for a woman in labour and the
next on the postnatal ward helping to
establish breast feeding. I also work on
the antenatal ward, in triage and even
sometime in the day assessment unit.
What are the most common
misconceptions people have
about the role?
That midwives look after babies – in
fact, we spend most of our time
supporting expectant women and their
partners and subsequently helping
them to look after their babies.
What have been the best
moments?
Making a difference to women and their
partners during labour and making sure
they can look back on it as a wonderful
experience. It really is the best job in
the world.
And the worst?
Of course there are sad days and
difficult days but our job is just the
same, to help the parents cope with the
experience the best they can and to
support each other when we need it.
What advice would you give
young, aspiring midwives?
That the job is hard work but very
rewarding.
How long does the training take,
where can you find information
on where to train and what
advice would you give someone
wishing to embark on a career as
a midwife?
The training takes three years and
involves time spent both in university
and hospital. The best place to
start looking for information in the
Nursing and Midwifery Council’s
website – www.nmc-uk.org. I
would recommend they try and get
experience of working on a maternity
unit even as a volunteer as they need
to demonstrate they know exactly
what the job involves.
What led you to become
involved with GBSS?
A friend of mine was involved with
the charity as her son became infected
with GBS and she suggested that I
might like to become involved as a
trustee.
And just for fun? If you have
any spare time, what are your
favourite hobbies/ pastimes?
I walk my dog, do a bit of running and I
am involved with my sons’ scout troop
and football team.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee.
Stairs or lift?
Usually up in the lift and down the
stairs!
Resources for aspiring midwives:
StudentMidwife.net www.
studentmidwife.net/
Nursing and Midwifery Council
www.nmc-uk.org
Royal College of Midwives
www.rcm.org.uk/
Volunteer your time
Our volunteers’ work is vital to our
campaign and we thank everyone who
has either raised funds for us, spoken
to the media, provided information
to health professionals and expectant
mums, or simply talked about GBS with
friends and family – we need more
volunteers so we can do even more!
Volunteering is a great way to use skills
that you have – or even develop some
new ones.
Ways to volunteer and help us include :
Help raise funds – you could choose to
organise your own event or join one of
our many challenges taking place around
the country.
Help out at event near to you – maybe
offering a helping hand to keep things
moving smoothly, or simply be there to
cheer and lend support.
Help out in the office – help us stay
organised, keeping records up to date
or helping us with office-overload and/
or implementing administrative systems.
In return, we will support you in all that
you undertake on our behalf and aim to
provide a positive, friendly environment
to work within. Often we are asked,
“How much time do I need to give up?,”
that is entirely up to you and the role
you have chosen to help us in.
Our lovely, weekly volunteer Margaret Gomme
helping us out in the office
Please join us on Facebook, we have a page called Group B Strep
Support (just type it into the search on www.facebook.com or go
direct to www.facebook.com/GroupBStrepSupport). We now
have over 5,000 ‘likes’ and there is a real mix of daily news, views,
comments and events. Please join us; you can write on the wall, post
photos, videos and links.
If you have an event you want to post on there, please give Marie
Rothwell the details by contacting her at mrothwell@gbss.org.uk and
she will be delighted to help.
Please also follow us on Twitter and tweet us. You can join our
#TwitterArmy #GBSaware by retweeting our tweets with these
hashtags, and creating your own. We have over 5,000 followers on
twitter – join us at www.twitter.comg/gbssupport
9
Babies’ Stories
We are pleased to include the following stories written by
families affected by GBS, and really appreciate their sharing
them with us all. If you would like to contact any of these
families, please write to them c/o GBSS and we will pass
your letter on to them.
The stories do not necessarily reflect the views,
recommendations or policies of the charity or its
supporters.
My Two Girls
Erin – 27th March 2011 – Sunday (40 weeks+3)
My wife, Jillian, had laboured
at home and we arrived at
the hospital that evening fully
expecting to be coming home the
next day with our much longed for
first baby. A girl that we’d already
named Erin.
Arriving at the hospital, the
Admissions midwife examined
Jillian while I parked the car. She
was told she was fully dilated, that
the midwife could feel our baby’s
head, and we’d meet her in an
hour.
I arrived into the room and the
midwife had Jillian hooked up to
the foetal heart monitor. I can’t
describe it but I felt an instant
sense of worry in the room. What
seemed like seconds later, we
were all being whisked off into a
lift. A junior doctor had, as well
as a midwife, failed to find Erin’s
heartbeat. That, combined with
the fact that we had a growing
crowd of medical professionals
around us who all seemed to be in
a panic, I knew that something was
wrong… but hoped not.
Jillian was wheeled into the
delivery room, where a senior
doctor performed a visual scan.
I’ll never forget what I saw on the
monitor. Erin was as clear as day,
but where previously you could
see her little heart beating, there
was nothing. It felt like my whole
insides fell to my feet. I knew that
what I was looking at meant that
Erin had died.
The doctor confirmed what I had
seen, saying she was so sorry but
that it was bad news.
I don’t know how we got through
the next couple of hours, but we
did. We knew our precious baby
girl wasn’t going to make her
entrance into the world with a cry,
but we were still so eager to meet
her and hold her.
We had her with us in the hospital
for four days; four sad, but precious
days. We slept with her between
us. We dressed her, bathed her
and even changed her nappy. On
Thursday morning Erin went for
her post mortem. We had to
try and find out why she died.
Nobody had any idea why – she
was perfect.
We left the hospital later that day
with her dressed in a beautiful little
outfit picked out by her mother,
but in a tiny white casket. Jillian’s
parents drove us down to her
hometown of Portaferry, and we
buried our first born baby in a
graveyard beside the church we
were married in four years earlier.
Nine weeks later we were called
to the hospital to hear the findings
of Erin’s post mortem. We were
told she had died of pneumonia,
caused by inhaling amniotic fluid
infected with Group B Strep.
While waiting for those findings,
we did a bit of research ourselves,
trying to find out why babies die.
We came across GBS for the first
time then. When we were told
that was what had caused Erin’s
death, we were doubly devastated.
GBS infection can be prevented,
quite easily, but only when it’s been
detected. Tragically for Erin and us,
we live in a country where GBS is
not screened for routinely. If Jillian
and I lived in the US, for example,
one of the many countries that
routinely screen for GBS, it’s
almost definite that Erin would be
two years, 2 months old now. But
she’s not.
Erin wasn’t the first baby to die
due to GBS infection and sadly she
hasn’t been the last.
After Erin’s death, Jillian and I were
in a daze really, a dark daze. Jillian
threw herself into a campaign
to raise awareness of GBS in
Northern Ireland and we called
on our local Government to
introduce routine screening. This
gave Jillian a focus and I somehow
muddled through.
Clara
14th August 2012 – Tuesday
(38 weeks+3)
One morning while out on my
mail delivery, I got a phone call
from Jillian asking where I was. She
said she needed to come and see
me, but wouldn’t tell me exactly
why. While waiting for her my
mind was racing and I started to
worry, such was our life then.
Jillian pulled up in the car and I
got in, fully expecting some awful
news. What she then shared
lifted my spirits to indescribable
heights of joy. In the car’s glove
compartment was a positive
pregnancy test. We’d been blessed
a second time. As much as we
both were overjoyed, we were
petrified at the same time.
GBS doesn’t always go away. Jillian
may always be a carrier, a carrier
of a bacteria that killed our first
baby. We had to keep telling
ourselves that the reason Erin
died from GBS is that we didn’t
know it was there. Now that we
did know, we should be able to
prevent another tragedy with any
new babies. We ordered the ECM
Gold Standard test via the links on
the GBSS website to find out if
Jillian was still carrying the bacteria
during the next pregnancy and she
was. Again this petrified us but
we were armed with information
this time, we could do something
about it this time.
The 14th of August 2012 seemed
to take an eternity to arrive but
we got there. Our second child,
another girl, was born kicking and
screaming. Clara Erin Hope Boyd
- slightly shorter but heavier than
her big sister, and just as beautiful.
Clara has brought so much
happiness back into our life and
she is such a joy, the apple of
my eye. It can be hard at times,
though, because we’re now so
aware of all the things we’re
missing out on with Erin, while at
the same time feeling so much
happiness having Clara to raise.
My wife describes our life perfectly.
We have two girls and two hearts.
One is the heart, still full of love,
but that is shattered and will never
mend. The other is the heart that
is filled only with pure joy and
fulfilment.
For being blessed with my two girls
I will be eternally grateful, and will
always be a father to them both.
Andrew Boyd
10
Emily’s Story
Emily Newton was diagnosed with group B Strep infection shortly after her
birth in October 2009. She spent a week in the neonatal intensive care
unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge before being transferred to
Colchester Hospital where she spent a further week in the special care
baby unit. In addition to the obvious stresses of dealing with a critically
ill newborn, the Newtons had a 3 year old son back in Colchester who,
having been told he was spending the night with his grandparents when
Emily was born, actually ended up staying there for a week. When the
Newtons did finally get back to Colchester, mum Su had to spend most of
her time in the hospital with Emily, expressing breast milk for her to be tube
fed. “I really felt I had abandoned William. To add insult to injury, all this happened
during the swine flu outbreak so William wasn’t even allowed to visit his new baby
sister!”
Whilst in SCBU, during the many ward rounds, one of the paediatricians
dropped another bombshell on the Newtons. “Just as we thought Emily had
overcome everything the GBS infection had thrown at her, we were told she had
a hole in her heart which may require surgery! I thought I had shed all the tears
I had during those first critical days, but this news hit me hard.”As it turned out,
during regular subsequent check-ups at the heart clinic, the hole closed by
itself without the need for surgery, although Emily was also diagnosed with a
leaky valve in her heart which is still being monitored. The cardiac doctors
are not concerned enough that it requires any treatment, but concerned
enough that they wish to monitor it, so she still needs annual check-ups.
In the weeks after her discharge from hospital in November 2009, the
Newtons started to adjust to being a family of four and looking forward to
their first Christmas all together. However, Emily had other plans! “I have no
evidence, other than a mother’s intuition, to suggest what happened next was in
any way connected to Emily’s GBS infection, but I am convinced that being on a
ventilator weakened her lungs.” Emily developed bronchiolitis. A very bad case
of bronchiolitis. Emily was now 7 weeks old. Su says, “On a mid-December morning I took Emily to our local walk-in clinic as
she had not fed well during the night and she was showing signs of struggling for
breath – her tummy was recessing as she fought to fill her lungs. I dithered for
an hour or so before going - would they think I was a neurotic mum, over-reacting
because of Emily’s previous problems? Or do I go with my instincts and get her
checked just to be on the safe side? Never ignore Mothers Intuition!! I’m glad I
went to the walk-in clinic when I did.
In view of her history, the walk-in clinic told me to take Emily to Colchester
Hospital. Then it all got scary again. Because it had been so difficult to intubate
her previously (Emily had managed to self-extubate at Addenbrooke’s, after which
she was put on CPAP) and because her condition appeared to be deteriorating,
the paediatric doctors wanted to get Emily on a ventilator again before it became
an emergency to do so. They had to take her to the adult intensive care unit to
do this (Su had no idea until now that paediatric and neo-natal intensive care
Ella’s Story
“I had an amazing pregnancy with all our scans and measurements spot on. We
were so excited about our new arrival and had no idea what we were having. I
joyfully updated Facebook daily with my ‘peanut’ progress, and so all our family
and friends felt like they were a part of my pregnancy.
“I was in latent labour from the 4th July and we were sent home from the hospital
twice assured that everything was progressing as expected. I eventually I went
into established labour and was admitted to the maternity ward in Portsmouth, on
the Sunday morning. I had a fantastic, text book labour: in the birthing pool and
reaching 10 cm dilated – Baby Frost was almost here!
“Sadly we then lost her heartbeat, after many different midwives and doctors tried
to find it. It was too late, Ella passed away just minutes before her birth. The
reason for this needless loss was a simple, PREVENTABLE infection, GBS”.
Natalie Frost
units were not available in every
hospital – this ensures that the
specialist staff and their care and
knowledge is not spread too thinly).
Knowing how traumatic it was last
time they attempted the intubation
procedure, I felt helpless, “I was her
Mummy but I couldn’t do anything to
help. After an hour or so, I was told I
could see her.
Luckily it had proven easier this time to get her on the ventilator. She looked
so vulnerable, all wired up again, cocooned in what looked like bubble wrap. Apparently Emily’s arrival on the intensive care unit caused quite a stir amongst
the staff who were used to dealing with adult patients! It was odd to see a tiny
baby in their environment.
Within a few hours, we were being whisked out of Colchester Hospital in a CATS
ambulance with blue lights and sirens blaring to Great Ormond Street. Everyone
knows that only the sickest babies go to Great Ormond Street, so the journey
was a fraught one for me. Emily spent a few days in isolation in PICU at Great Ormond Street Hospital
and was then discharged to one of the wards. Gradually her oxygen levels
improved and slowly, slowly, the assistance she needed with her breathing was
reduced. Unfortunately, despite her being well enough to be transferred back
to our local hospital, there were no beds available (it was what I now know as
‹bronch-season›), so we took up a bed in Great Ormond Street Hospital for a
further week.” A week in, Su had to break her promise to William that she would take him
to see Father Christmas. Emily was eventually discharged direct from Great Ormond Street Hospital
the night before Christmas Eve. Sue continues, “As she gets bigger, the
weakness in her lungs seems to improve and each winter she copes a bit better
with the coughs and colds. We did have to spend another night in Colchester
Hospital with Emily on a nebuliser, but as time goes on, she has needed less
intervention. She does still get a bit wheezy, but an asthma inhaler is all she
tends to need now.”Su and her family are hugely grateful to the NHS staff
at Colchester, Addenbrooke’s and Great Ormond Street Hospitals, who
undoubtedly saved Emily’s life. Su says, “My gratitude is matched by my annoyance that, had I been offered
antenatal testing for group B Strep, and been given antibiotics in labour, all the
pain suffered by Emily, the disruption to our family and the costs of Emily’s
medical care (that easily ran into tens of thousands of pounds) could have been
avoided.”
Su and Steve Newton
11
Oliver’s Story
“My name is Michelle Moore I am
32 and a mother of 3.
My children are Oliver (5), Chloe (4)
and Charlotte (13 months) and all
births have been very different.
My firstborn is Oliver, born in
November 2007. I had a routine
swab done at the hospital
in Sheffield while I was visiting my
mum as we lived up in Scotland at
the time. The hospital contacted me
direct and my midwife has no idea
of this and dismissed it.
The swab was done after I
developed a small abscess in my
groin and was told that I had group
B Strep and that I would be given
antibiotics in labour (erythromycin as
I am allergic to penicillin) and that
was about it.
After Googling GBS and frightening
the life out of myself, I found the
charity Group B Strep Support
who gave me the information that
I needed. I mentioned this to my
midwife, who just shrugged and
called it scare mongering. All went
well with my remaining pregnancy. I
had a straight forward labour, apart
from a raised temperature and
heavy loss of blood!
Oliver was born at 23:26 pm
and I was brought to the ward at
approximately 4am. I was then left
alone on the ward. There was no-one
else in my bay.
I had just got the feeling back in my
legs from the epidural and was left
alone with my newborn son. I noticed
I couldn’t warm him up. He was
refusing to feed and was whining
and grunting not like a normal
newborn.”
Michelle called the midwives over
and over but they passed her off as
an over-bearing mother. Michelle
asked to see a doctor and was
refused.
At 11 am when the doctor came to
do his rounds, Michelle demanded
he look at Oliver. He took Oliver
away and came back and asked if
Michelle had noticed he was severely
jaundiced. “No” replied Michelle and
told him how she had the midwives
to look at him over and over and
had been ignored.
The doctor took Oliver away again
and took some bloods from him.
When Michelle’s husband was
allowed back in after lunch at 2pm,
he barely got to look at Oliver. He
just had time to take his coat off
and go to pick up Oliver when
two doctors and a midwife came
and said that they needed to
take Oliver to SCBU as he was
gravely ill and that they needed
to perform a lumber puncture. And
that was that, they took him!
“No explanation, nothing – we just
sat there, crestfallen and alone.
When we finally got taken
round to him at about 7pm that
night, he was all machined up,
wires everywhere and needles in all
his small limbs.
We were advised that they thought
it was my GBS that was making him
so ill and they didn’t know how to
treat it and that he had high levels
of jaundice. We asked if he would
die and we were told he was in a
critical condition and they couldn’t get
his heart rate down. At that time
he was called baby M so we chose
the name Oliver as, should he die,
we didn’t want him not having
a name. It was quite emotional
watching them wipe baby Moore out
and replace it with Oliver. We had a
week of ups and downs.”
After a week of Gentamicin and
kidney functions tests, the Moores
were allowed home.
“We still don’t know if the
Gentamicin has damaged his
kidneys as they lost this test 5 times
so they just didn’t repeat it.”
All this took place at St Johns,
Livingston, Scotland and,
understandably, Michelle wanted
her next birth in England, in her
home town of Sheffield,
“I told them of GBS and again I had
to fight with them for antibiotics in
labour and even a swab!
But luckily I had clindamycin in my
labour, no temperature and I was
home within 12 hours. As I told
the hospital, I probably knew more
than them about GBS and the signs
and symptoms. They did want to
keep me in 3 days as a precaution.
My third baby was born at the
end of 2011 and even then I had
to ask for antibiotics and, as I had
gestational diabetes, that was their
main concern.
I was in and out of hospital with that
pregnancy and I always asked the
midwives their views on GBS. Some
were all for promoting testing and
antibiotics for GBS, while some were
anti testing saying it was a waste of
time - so it was quite a mixed bag.
I did note that all the doctors had
time to speak to me about this and
all agreed with the antibiotics. There
was, however, some reluctance from
some of the midwives.
I had clindamycin again before my
waters were broken at 38 weeks
and no checks or mention was made
with GBS – it was all my monitoring.
I was again allowed home later the
next day.”
Michelle Moore
Jessica’s Story
Jessica was diagnosed with group B
Strep Meningitis at one day old.
Mum, Nicola Pilling, took her to
her local GP out of Hours service
as she was making a grunting noise
that just didn’t seem right.
“The GP referred us straight to our
local children’s ward. On our arrival
we were met by two nurses, a doctor
and a healthcare assistant. I knew it
was something bad.
The doctors came to talk to us and
told us that Jessica needed to have
a cannula inserted to administer
IV antibiotics and that she needed
a lumbar puncture to establish
what was wrong with her. We were
admitted to the ward and shortly
after, Jessica began to fit and
stopped breathing. We were then
told that she had meningitis.
We were admitted to the
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit,
by which time I was in complete
shock. I asked the doctors if
Jessica was going to die and their
response was that we had a very
poorly baby on our hands. The
consultants told us that the next
24 hours were crucial and that
she needed to start responding
to treatment. Our little fighter did
just that.
I started to express my breast
milk and Jessica was fed this
through a tube. It was the focus
that I needed, knowing that maybe
it could help the healing process.
We were back on the ward
two days later and Jessica was
breastfeeding again. We remained
in hospital for a week and were
allowed home during the day, but
back on the ward at night for the
following week with the help of
our Hospital at Home team.
We endured regular visits to the
paediatric outpatients department
and Jessica was progressing well,
meeting all of her developmental
milestones. It was with huge relief
and many tears that she was
finally discharged – without any ill
effects from the meningitis – at 17
months old.
We feel like the luckiest people in
the world and are so thankful to the
staff at the hospital and our families
for the help and support that they
provided that helped us to get
through such a devastating period of
our lives.
We hope that our event will help to
raise awareness of this potentially
fatal infection as well as much
needed funds for GBS Support!”
Nicola Pilling
12
Donations
Unfortunately, there no
prospect of eliminating
the problem of group B
Streptococcal infections
in newborn babies in the
foreseeable future. Despite
work being undertaken in a
number of countries, including
the UK, a safe and effective
vaccine against group B
Strep infection is not yet on
the horizon. Furthermore,
during the year, UK bodies
again recommended against
routinely screening for group
B Strep late in pregnancy,
despite international evidence
of the efficacy of this strategy.
So, our work is as important
as ever and, although so many
volunteers do so much, we
inevitably need funds.
Individuals
A huge thank you to everyone
who made a donation to GBSS
during the year – we really
couldn’t do it without you. It’s
been a tough year with the
economy and our amazing
supporters have absolutely come
up trumps yet again, entrusting
us with their hard-earned cash so
that we can make a difference to
families in the UK. We continue
to be as frugal as we can, whilst
still working towards our key
objective of preventing as many
GBS infections in newborn babies
as possible. Thanks one and all.
Supporters who made donations
during 2012 include:
T Abbey, A Abbosh, D Abbotts, J Abbotts,
A Abdelharmas, J Aberdein, T Aberdein, K
Aberdien & R Rutterford, A Abraham, M
Abraham,Y Abraham, M Abrahams, J Acklam,
V Acklam, A Adams, D Adams, C Adams,
P Adams, M Aitken, K Albans, S Alcock,
S Aldridge, D Aldwinckle, C Allen, D Allen,
E Allerton, H Allsopp, S Almond, A & S Alsop,
I Amro, C Anderson, S Anderson,
L Anderson-Chamers, K Andrew, M Anglim,
C Aplin, F Apopi, G Archer, D Argent,
K Armstrong, R Armstrong, G Arnold, R Ash,
J Ashby, J Ashby, P Ashby, Ms L Ashford,
G Asling-Carthy, D Asquith, J Atchinson,
J Atkinson, L Atkinson, Miss R Attrill,
C Attwood, B Austin, M Austin, S Ayers,
Organisations
During the year, we secured donations from organisations and charitable trusts and are hugely grateful to the
following for their support. They include:
•
Ardwick Trust
•
Arthur James Paterson Foundation
•
Betty Stott Medical Research Charitable Trust
•
Fitzmaurice Charitable Trust
•
George John and Sheilah Livanos Charitable Trust
•
Gerald Palmer Eling Trust
•
Green and Lilian FM Ainsworth and Family Benevolent Fund
•
Hamilton Wallace Trust
•
The Hospital Saturday Fund
•
J K Young Endowment Fund
•
Longley Trust
•
Lynn Foundation
•
Mason Le Page Charitable Trust
•
Michael & Anna Wix Charitable Trust
•
Peter Harrison Foundation
•
VacZine Analytics Group
We thank each one of you as you have enabled us to raise so much more awareness than would otherwise have
been possible. We have been able to attend conferences and give information materials to so many relevant
health professionals – this will made a significant difference to the families in their care.
V Aynsley, A Bailey, R Bailey, O Bailey-Green,
D Baillie, L Baird, J Baker, Sally Baker,
K Baker-Heyes, H Ball, J Ball, M Bamber,
C Bambrick, P Bamford, M Bangs, J Banks,
K V Barbier, P Barclay, A Barcy, D Barks,
L Barnard, R Barnes, J Barr, A Barrett, A Barrie,
K Barrow, , S Barr-Young, S Bartle, D Bartlett,
K Bartley, S Bastock, C Bater, H Bates,
M Batson, S Battisiini, J Batts, A Batty, C Baum,
J Baxter, E Bayford, A Bayley, T Beadle,
L Beagrie, C Beale, C Beaman, A Beard,
s V Beard, J Beasley-Suffolk, E Beaumont,
C Beck, S Bedford, P Bedwell, C Beer,
J Beeston, A Bell, G Bell, J Bell, M Bell, J Benge,
N Benham, D Bennett, G Bennett, K Benson,
L Bensted, M Bent, C Bentley, P Benzie, F Berry,
L Berry, T Berry, R Bewley, C Bibby, N Bidey,
C Billett, A Binnie, M Bird, G Birkett,
K Blackwell, K Blades, R Blair, S Blakely,
D Blakeney, T Blanchard, J Bland, H Bluff,
L Blurton, J Blyth, H Boisseau, L Bo-Kays,
M Bolland, A Bond, B Bond, N Bonner, T Boon,
A Booth, J Booth, K Boothroyd, S Boreham,
G Botham, K Botham, F Boulton, A Bounds,
E Bowden, M Bowen, J Bowerman, R Bowles
& J Bond, M Bowman, C Bowyer, R Bowyer,
J Boyce, A Boyd, C Boyle, T Boyle, K Bradder,
D Bradfield, D Bradley, C Bradshaw,
H Bradshaw, S Bradshaw, K Bradshaw,
C Brammall, M Brammer, P Bratton, E Breen,
H Breen, L Breen, S Breen, C Brenchley,
R Brenchley, K Brenner, K Brewer, M Brewer,
I Brice, T Bridger, M Bridges, D Bridgley,
C Bridle, D Briggs, E W Briggs, C Brigham,
C Bright, R Bright, J Brinkworth, J Broadhurst,
S Brockett, K Brooker, A Brookes, H Brookes,
l Brookes, D Brooks, K Broome, G Brown,
K Brown, N Brown, M Browne, R Browne,
S Browne, C Bruce, I Brunt, H Bryant,
J Bryant, A Bryson, J A Bryson-Black, H Buckley,
D Budd, E Bugg, W Bugg, D Bunn, A Burchell,
H Burden, L Burgess, J Burke, S Burnett,
S Burns, J Burton-Oyston, J Butcay, G Butler,
J Butler, P Butler, L Butterfill, C Buxton,
G Cahill, E Cairns, R Caisley, E Calacher,
B Calia, A Callan-Mordy, C Campbell,
D Campbell, E Campbell, K Campbell,
M Campion, R Cannings, S Cant, M Cantillon,
H Capon, A Carlin, K Carr, P Carroll, J Carter,
P Carter, T Carter, L Carthy, S Cartwright,
J Carty, J Casey, K Casey, M Casey, M Casfzies,
T Caspall, L Casson, J Castagnaro, S Castell,
K Cauley, A Cawte, A Cecil, J Chalker,
N Chamberlain, L Chandler, B Chang-Wilson,
A Chaplin, C Chapman, I Chappel,
P Chappel, V Chappell, T Charles,
S Charlesworth, Joyce Charlton, L Cheadle,
M Cheetham, C Cheshire, L Chesterfield,
M Chesterton,Y Chetty, D Cheung, D Child,
P Childerhouse, Z Childs, C Clark, M Clark,
A Clarke, L Clarke, M Clarke, P Clarke,
W Clarke, S Clarkson, C Clay, L Clayton,
A Cleghorn, J Clements, N Clements,
C Clerkin, D Clifford, A Clinton, F Clitheroe,
H Clitheroe, M Clutterbuck, F Cocks, J Coe,
K Coey, P Cogan, S Cohen, P S Colclough,
C Cole, H Cole, J Cole, W R Cole, T Cole,
D Coleman, L Coleman, R Coleman,
A Coley, P L Collier, R Collier, A Collins,
M Collins, S Combes, J Conde, K Connor,
J Constable, A Cook, M Cook, S Cook,
T Cook, C Cooper, P Cooper, C Copeman,
I Corbett-Bromley, J Corcoran, S Corrigan,
G Corris, L Cosnett, A Costello, C Costello,
L Cotter, G Coupland, P Court, S Court,
T Court, A Courtney, R Couzins, M Cowan, K
Coward, C Cowdery, C Cowling, J Cox,
S Cox, S J Cox, W Cox, S Coyne, W Coyne, M
Cracknell, C Cracknell, S Craddock,
L Craig, M Craig, V Craig, R Craven,
J Crawford, J Crawley, M Cripps, C Crisp,
L Croft, C Crompton, S Crompton,
W Crook, J Cross, B Cumberland,
P Cummings, B Cummins, A Cunningham,
M Cunningham, P Cunningham, C Curran,
E Currie, E Curtis, G Curtis, A Cutter, E Dalby,
D Dale, N Danbury, D Daniel, W Dashwood,
A Davenport, A Davies, C Davies, M Davies,
Y Davies, R Davies-Payne, H Daws,
M Dawson, N Day, S Day, R De Vaux,
J Deadman, W Dean, M Deegan, J Deeks,
L Deerlove, E DeGory, M Delange, S Dell,
T Dell’Avvocato, R Demott, A Denton,
K Denton, B Desmond, S Dethick, S Dewis,
S Di Girolamo, C Dickson, S Dieni, L Dinsdale,
B Dixon, D Dixon, P Dixon, P Dobb, A Dodd,
E Dodman, L Dodson, L Doherty, M Dole,
S Donaldson, P Doody, U Dormoy, P Doshi,
J Doubtfire, J Dougherty, L Douglas, L Douglas,
R Douglas, B Dowling, D Downs, J Downs,
M Dows-Miller, J Draper, S Drayton, J Druitt,
P Drury, C D’Souza, F Dudley, F Duff, M Duffy,
P Duggan, M Dulway, I Dunbar, L Dunbar,
M Dunbar, A Dunmall, E T Dunne, S Durkin,
H Durrance, B Dye, K Dyer, J Dykes, D Earl,
K Earnshaw, J East, P Eastburn, R Easterbrook,
F Easton, A Ebsworth, S Edmonds,
P Edmondson, B Edwards, F Edwards,
J Edwards, P Edwards, K J Elkington, M Elliot,
R Elliot,Y Elliot-Nichols, J Elliott, l Elliott, G Ellis,
L Ellis, M Ellis, M Eltawil, G Emmerson,
13
F Engineri, A English, P English, R Ennis,
P Esling, C Evans, F Evans, G Evans, J Evans,
K Evans, L Evans, A Evans, S J Evans, K Evered,
T Fairbrother, A Fairley, J Fairweather,
J Fancett, S Fantham, S Farley, K Farmer,
C L Farquhar, D Farrell, E Fassnidge,
J Faulkner, N Fawdrey, J Feltham, K Ferguson,
D Fern, I Fernandes, A Fettes, J Field, , L Field,
P Field, E Filik, F Finch, L Findlay, C Finn,
R Fisher, S Fitzell, F C Fitzgibbon, J Fitzherbert,
T Fitzpatrick, P Flanagan, C Fletcher,
D Fletcher, F J Fletcher, P Fletcher, K Fletcher,
B Flooring, T Florence, S Floyd, L Foley,
S Forrest, P Forsyth, C Foster, R Foster,
V Foster, M Foy, B Foyston, S Francis,
A Franklin, C Franklin, H Franklin, T Franklin,
S Franks, T Fraser, W Fraser, J French,
A Fretter, B Freundlich, B Frost, N Frost,
S Frost, C Fry, M Fry, D Fulford, J Fulton,
R Funnell, G Furksta, C Gabay, A Gallagher,
M Gamble, R Gardiner, J Garfitt, G Garner,
A Garnham, D Garnsworthy, C Garrett,
F C Garwood, S Garwood, S Gascoigne,
V Geer, N Gent, C Gibbins, B Gibbons,
B Gibbs, L Gibbs,T Gibson, W Gibson, J Gilbert,
J Gilbert, S Gilchrist, S Giles, A Gill, J Gilmore,
M Gilson, A Gimson, P Gladwin,
M Glassborow, K Gloudemans, J Goddard,
L Goddard, M Goddard, A Godfrey,
C Godfrey, H Godfrey, J Godfrey, R Godwyn,
V Golacit, P Golden, S Goldhawk,
M Gomme, J Gooch, M Gooch, J Goodall,
D Gorse, D Gosney, A Gough, C Gourlay,
C Govind, A Graff, D Graff, A Graham,
M Graham, S Graham, A Grainger, P Grant,
M Gravenor, D Graves, A Gray, J Gray, L Gray,
S Gray, I Greaves, G Green, K Green,
M Green, N Greenhalgh, D Greenham,
N Greenwood, A Gregory, D Gregory,
W Gregory, K Grey, M Grierson, M Griffiths,
C Grimes, J Grimwood,
M Morris & C Gristey-Morris, P Grogan,
A Grove, N Grove, S Gully, K Gunn,
M Gunner, J Gurney, G Gyves, H Hagger,
J Haider, P Haigh, S Hainge, A Hainstock,
N Hajda, P Hak, G Halcrow, A Hale, C Hall,
J Hall, S Hall, V Hall, C Halliday, L Halliday,
A Hallissey, G Hallissey, A Hallworth,
D Hamilton, N Hamilton, I Hamilton-Smith,
R Hancock, R Hanmore, L Hannen,
M Hardcastle, A Harding, G Harding,
K Harding, T HarmanJ Harmon, N Harries,
S Harris, J Harris, M Harris, N Harris,
A Harrison, E Hart, M Hart, N Harty,
A Harvey, J Harvey, T Hassall, A Hassan,
M Hattersley, K Haviland, S Haviland, J Hawes,
K Hawes, G Hawkes, M Hawkes, M Hawkins
& Ms S Otty, I Hawkrigg, R Haycock,
G Haycock-West, M Hayes, J Hayter,
T Haythornwaite, K Hayward, J Hazel,
M Healy, S Heath, B Hebblethwaite,
C Hedges, S Hellon, R Hemmens,
L Hempenstall, D Hennah, T Henry, J
Hepburn, M Herbert, D Herbert, J Herman,
L Hernandez, K Herriott, M Heslop, L Hewes,
L Hewes, R Hewes, I Hewkins, V Hewkins,
S Hickley, J Higgs, P Higgs, R Higgs, D Hill,
F Hill, J Hill, J Hill, J Hill, K Hill, L Hill, M Hill,
T Hill, L Hillhouse, R Hillstead, I Himstedt,
A Ho, B Hoare-Ward, N Hobson, V Hodge,
J Hodgkinson, J Hodgson, C Hogg, K Hogg,
M Holford, P Holgate, C Holland, P Hollis,
D Hollywood, R Holmes, S Holmes, P Holt,
D Holwell, G Homer, J Hope, C Hopkin,
D Hopkins, M Hopper, A Hopwood,
P Hornsey, S Horwood, P Hossack,
E Houghton, I Houghton, P Houghton, K Hoult,
C Houlton, C House, R House, R Howard,
V Howard, M Howarth, T Howe, M Howley,
N L Howse, S Howson, I Hoy, A Hoyle,
R Hudd, T Huggard, P Huggett, G Huggins,
A Hughes, D Hughes, T Hughes, V Hughes,
Y Hulyer-McQueen, E Humphreys, C Hunt,
C Hunter, V Hunter, J Hurdle, D Hurren,
A Hutcheson, A Hutchison, D Hutchison,
P Hyams, C Hyde, S Ilott, J Inacio, S Inglis,
T Isaacs, O Ivannikova, A Jackson, D Jackson,
M Jackson, M Jacobs, A James, G James,
T James, S James, J Jaros, L Jarrett, S Jarrett,
A Jarvis, E Jempson, H Jempson, L Jenkins,
N Jenkins, R Jenkins, T Jenkins, D Jennings,
K Jenson, L Jewell, D Johnson, H Johnson,
I Johnson, M Johnson, S Johnson, M Johnston,
C Jones, D Jones, G Jones, J Jones, J Jones,
K Jones, L Jones, P Jones, S Jones, S Jones,
M Jordan, P Jordan, S Jowle, F Joy, A Joyce,
R Joyce, G Junior, A Jupp, P Juszclyk, E Kang,
P Kasberger, H Kay, E Kazmierczak, D Kealy
Gregg, J Keeling, P Keir, S Keir & Mr B Hefford,
A Keith, H Kelektsoglou, J Kelliher, A Kelly,
E Kelly, J Kelly, S Kelly, P Kench, C Kendall,
B Kerr, J Kerr, C Kerr, M Kerr, P Kerwin,
E Kester, N Kesterton, C Kew, B Khalique,
C Kialka, M Kidd, T Kidd, J Kilday, M Kilday,
C Kilkenny, J Kilkenny, K Kilkenny, W Kilvington,
K King, S Kingdon, K Kipling, S Kirby, C Kirk,
M Kirkby Dyer, K Knight, L Knight, J Knowles,
K Kumpkin, S Ladd, E laird, S Lake, A Lalanne,
R Lamb, J Lambert, F Lambrou, J Lancaster,
C Lane, G Langford, S Langley, L Lanham,
N Lapage, V Lappin, G Last, L Lavender,
L Law, M Lawlor, K Lawrenson, C Lawson,
F Lawson, D Layton, N le Bas, C Leach,
M Leach, D Leacy, A Lear, S Leather, H Leaver,
N Ledger, P Ledger, R Ledger, T Ledger, J Lee,
M Lee, R Leedham, K Leeman, S Leete,
M Leggett, K C Lehman, R Lehman, D Leigh,
S Leighton, G T Lemos, T Lennon, J Lenz,
R L’Estrange, J Lewis, N Lewis, R Lewis,
S Lewis, M Lilley, C Linnecor, M Lis, A Lister,
I Lister, T Lister, N Lloyd Williams, J Loake,
S Loates, C Locke, D Lord, I Lorenzo-Toimil,
T A Lott, A Lovett, L Low, M Lowe, S Lumb,
A Lumsden, N Lumsden, P Lunn, S Lunt,
A Luther-Jones, C Lyall, J Lyddy, C Macdonald,
V MacDonald, F MacDougall, D MacGabhann,
A Macmillan, P Madden, H Maddocks,
Claire Madeira, A Madigan, Mr L Madigan,
S Madigan, Lise Madsen, A Magee, A Maguire,
S Maidwell, K Mair, H Maitland Davie, C Malin,
R Mander, C Mangles, R Manners,
N Manolescu, J Mansell, A Marchant, L Markey,
J Marrazza, P Marrazza, R Marrazza, H Marsh,
L Marsh, T Marsh, A Marshall, G Marshall,
M Marshall, D Martin, L Martin, T Martin,
M Martyn, , K Maryan, A Masters, E Mathison,
N Mathse, C Matthews, K Matthews,
S Matthews, A Mawer, G May, J May, E McAleese,
P McCalvey, S McCambridge, A McCauley,
C McCauley, K McCloud, M McCombie,
O McCormick, S McCormick, R McCreadie,
B McCrystal, N McCurtin, C McCutcheon,
A McDonagh, E McDonagh, L McDonald,
P McEdlderry, G McFee, A McGee, L McGovern,
C McGowan, M McGowan, D Mcintyre,
A Mckechnie, G McKeown, N McKeown,
B McKerchar, J McKnight, A McLaren,
G Mclaughlin, K McLaughlin, A McMenemy,
J McMillan, S McMurray, H McNaught,
M McNaughton, S McNeill, L McNeilly,
M McNestry, N McPhee, R McShee, P Mcvey, J
McWatt, L Meaden, L Melchoir, S Mendes,
J Menell, L Mepsted, S Mercer, V Merino,
A Merrett, C Merryweather, B Messinger, K Mew,
S Meynell, L Middleton, K Mikolajow, R Miles,
R Mill, L Millar, E Millard, D Miller, K Miller,
P Miller, T Miller, K Milligan, L Millsopp,
D Milock, L Milock, J Minto, A C Mitchell,
A Mitchell, L Mitchell, M Mitchell, P Mitchell,
C Mitchener, R Mogg, A Mohammed,
C Molyneux, P Molyneux, C Montgomery,
A Mooney, A Moore, K Moore, L Moore,
S Moore, M Moorhouse, C Morecroft,
C Morgan, K Morgan, N Morgan, K Morley,
L Morley, S Morley, E Morris, J Morris, N Morris,
S Morris, K Morrison, K Morrow, M Morrow,
V Morse, A E Morton, F Morum, I Moulds,
J Muir, L Muirhead, C Mulqueen, C Mumford,
E Mundy, J Munro, T Munro, D Murphy,
A Murray, E Murray, J Naylor, C Neville,
L Neville, J Nevin, P P Newman, R Newson,
S Newton, L Nicholson, M Nicholson,
G Nixon, D Noonan, J Norman, L Norris,
D Northage, K Northorpe, T Nosal,
M Notarantonio, C Nugent, E Nunn, A Nuttall,
L Oakley, A Oakshott,T O’Brien, P O’Callaghan,
B O’Dea, N O’Kane, J O’Kill, B Oliphany,
R Ollett, E Omelia, L O’Rourke, J O’Rourke &
K McDougall, S Orton, K Othen, S Otty,
A Oumou, V Overs, J Ovington, C Owen,
D Owen, J Owen, D Oxley, A Oza, C Paduano,
T Page, A Painter, M Pajda, E Palmer, L Palmer,
V Panhania, S Parham, A Parker, C Parker,
K Parker, ` C Parker & Mr C Brodie,
G Parker-White, F Parkhouse, S Parnell,
D Parr, B Parr, M Parry, E Parsons, N Parsons,
C Pass, D Passman, A Patchett, L Patelaros,
C Pattinson, B Paul, A Pawley, A Peake,
J Pearce, L Pearce, S Pedrosa Alquezar, S Pegg,
J Pendei, L Pendry, K Penny, C Peretti, C Perkins,
M Permain, M Perrett, J Persh, T Petey, M Philip,
D Phillip, C Phillippo, C Phillips, , D Phillips,
N Phillips, J Philpott, L Phipps, M Phull,
R Piercey, S Pilbeam, N Pilling, R Pitkeathley,
L Pitts, B Plant, J Plant, L Plant, C Platel, R Plumb,
O Plumb, I Pogue, T Pollitt, N Pomeroy, C Pool,
A Pope, C Popovic, L Porter, J Poskitt,
H Potter, A Poulain, C Poulton, J Powell,
S Powers, E Powling, J Preshaw, C Preston,
K Preston, H Price, L Price, M Price, P Price,
S Price, J Priscott, C Pritchard, R Pritty,
J Prothero, S Pullen, A Pulvirenti, J Punchbeck,
A Pym, M Quick, E Quilton, C Quincey,
J Quinn, L Quinn, S Quinn, M Rabinouwit,
K Radomski, J Rafferty, V Raison, R Halai,
D A Ramsay, L Ramsey, I Ransbey, S Ratcliffe,
E Raven, R Raw, G Rawlings, J Rawlings,
L Rawlings, S Rawlings, M Raybould, A Read,
L Read, C Reading, A Reay, J Redley, B Redman,
R Redpath, K Reed, K Reeks, T Reid, R Reilly,
M Reilly & M O’Donnell, S Remnant, A Revett,
M Rhodes, P Rich, S Rich, C Richards,
E Richards, J Richards, M Rickerby, E Ridout,
C Rigby-Smith, A Rintoul, S Roberts, L Roberts,
D Robertson, J Robertson, T Robertson,
H Robinson, M Robinson, J Roby, A Rockett,
B Rodden, D Rodden, M Rodden, P Rodden,
R Rodmell, G Rogers, M Rogers, P Rogers,
G Rogerson, J Roghe, L Rolfe, N Rolfe,
P Ronan, L Rook, G Ropundhill, M Rosen,
L Roser, B Rosling, A Ross, C Ross, E Rouse,
J Rowe, K Rowland, A Rowlands, A Rowlands,
J Rowlands, M Rowlands, B Rowley, J Rowley,
C Roylance, J Ruff, R Ruff, E Russel, J Russel,
G Russell, R Russell, J Rust, T Ryan, M Ryan-Sak,
N Sadler, A Saer, J Saireeves, D Salanson,
J C Salmon, D Sandison, J Saunders, I Saunders,
K Saunders, V Saunders, I Savage, G Sawyer,
S Sawyer, D Scallan, S Schaffa, B Schlesinger,
O Schmool, J Scott, K Scott, P Scott, S Scott,
W Scott, M Scriven, P Scriven, A Seaman,
A Searle, S Seaton, C Sedgwick, K Selman,
L Sharpe, E Shaw, J Shaw, S Shaw, D Sheaff,
A Sheard, A Shefield, K Sheldrake, F Sheperd,
l Sheperdson, S Shoebridge, H Shorrock,
K Short, K Shortman, K Shrubb, S Siddons,
D Simmonds, S Simons, F Simpson,
G Simpson,Y Simpson, J Sinclair, M Sinclair,
N Sinclair, N Singleton, K Sinnott, D Sissons,
J Sissons, L Sissons, S Skeldon, A Skinner,
M Skinner, A Skivington, D Slater, C Smethurst,
A Smith, C Smith, D Smith, G Smith, H Smith,
J Smith, R Smith, K Smith, M Smith, N Smith,
P Smith, R Smith, S Smith, W Smith, Z Smith,
C Smyth, S Snow, S Soin, A Spackman,
L Sparey, L Spargo, R Sparling, P Spencer,
S Spooner, R Springate, I Springett, K Spruels,
K Squirrel, L Stalker, R Stansfield, S Stanton,
J Stark, C Stead, D Steele, K Steele, O Steele,
D Steer, PJ Steer, L Stemp, S Stemp, J Stephen,
P Stevens, M Stewart, S Stewart, C Stoddart,
P Stonebridge, M Stoneley, T Storer,
N Stormont, C Storr, S Street, K Stringer,
N Stuart, S Stubbs, V Stubbs, P Sturgess,
R Stutchbury, M Stuy, J Stygall, L Styles, C Sudre,
M Suffolk, Sharon Sullivan, E Surginor,
E Sutherland, S Sverrisdottir, R Swainson,
D A Swallow, L Swallow, R Swallow,
E Swannell, H Swatton, C Sweeney, S Sweeney,
E Sweet, L Swift, M Swift, P Swiggs, K Sydenham,
C Sykes, M Sykes, S Sykes, M Symons, T Tage,
H Talbot, N Tatlow, A Taylor, C Taylor, E Taylor,
F Taylor, L Taylor, S Taylor, J Tear, K Tebble,
L Templeman, C Tesseyman, M Thomas,
S Thomas, B Thompson, K Thompson,
I Thompson, R Thompson, D Thomson,
K Thomson, H Thornley, G Thornton,
T Thornton, T Thurtle, P Tidman, L Tierney,
G Tijou, C Tilcock, M Tilsey, G Timson,
N Titman, A Tlibb, K Toimil-Bramhall, A Tomes,
L Tomkins, R Tomlinson, S Tonkinson, S Toon,
R Topher, D Torrance, R Trace, J Tranter,
M Travis, H Trew, K Trew, G Trickey, G Trueman,
L Tupper, A Turbutt, C Turner, I Turner, J Turner,
S Turner, E Turner-Bone, B Turvey, G Tuson,
E Tweedale, D Twidle, J Tye, K Tyminska, T Ungi,
S Ungi, P Upson, D Upson, M Van Den Hurk,
C Van Wijk, L Vanderbloem, C Vanner,
G Vanner, s J Vanner, K Varley, C Varty,Y Vasatis,
J Venning, F Vieceli, J Viner, J Vitali, I Voice,
A Waite, B Walker, G Walker, P Walker,
S Walker, S Walker-Reilly, l Waller, P Walling,
L Wallis, C Walters, A Walton, S Wansborough,
A Warburton, C Ward, D Ward, M Ward,
P Ward, S Ward, E Warnes, L Waterhoue,
L Waters, T Watkin, B Watkin Evans,
S Watmough, D Watson, J Watson, K Watson,
T Watson, R Waugh, M Weatherill, A Webb,
D Webb, J Webb, K Webb, R Webb, S Weir,
S Welburn, S Welch, G Wells, A Wentzel,
L West, P West, J Westaway, D Weston,
T Westwood, M Wheeldon, B Whibley,
P Whitaker, A White, C White, D White,
K White, M White, T White, M Whitford,
N Whiting, P Whiting, R Whittington, J Whyte,
S Wickenden, L Widdowson, M Widdowson,
R Wilcocks, M Wild, S Wild, A Wilde,
A Wilkinson, L J Wilkinson, P Wilkinson,
A Wilknson, L Willard, T Willers, C Williams,
J Williams, K Williams, P Williams, T Williams,
C Willis, J Willis, M Willis, A Wilson, D Wilson,
H Wilson, J Wilson, O Wilson, S Wilson,
T Wilson, S Windrum, A Winfield, K Winfield,
J Winslade, V Wintersgill-Taylor, H Witchell,
A Withers, C Withers, B Wollaston,
C Wollweber, C Wood, J Wood, P Wood,
J Woodley, K Woodley, V Woodman,
W Woolston, A Woosey, C Worlin, L Worsley,
J Worsley, C Wrench, C Wrigh, C Wright,
J Wright, D Wright, , K Wright, L Wright,
M Wright, R Wright, L Wroth, S Wynne,
A Yarnell, L Yates-Bissett, S Yeabsley, L Yeo,
N Yeomans, J Young, R Young, T Young, P Youngs,
N Yusuf, C Zelarayan,
14
Why fundraise?
How the money is spent
GBSS receives no funding from the Government; and relies heavily upon
donations received from its members, supporters and others interested in our
work. Fundraising is therefore essential to help the charity reach its objectives,
which are to:
It costs approximately
4p just to print a leaflet
to give to a pregnant
woman as a routine
part of her antenatal
care.
• Offer information and support to pregnant women and families affected
by GBS
• Inform health professionals and individuals how most GBS infections in
newborn babies can be prevented
• Generate continued support for research into preventing GBS infections.
We are amazed at the lengths people will go to in order to fundraise on GBSS’s
behalf, so often pushing themselves above and beyond with extraordinary
personal challenges. Whatever you choose to do – jumping from a plane,
running in a race when you have never run before, or baking a cake - it is fantastic
and helps us do so many things and help more parents become aware.
On a larger scale, it costs
over £5,000 to send
leaflets and posters to
antenatal clinics, antenatal
wards, postnatal wards,
special care baby units,
community midwives,
heads of midwifery, clinical
directors of obstetrics and
gynaecology and medical
librarians around the UK.
If you are fundraising, we have on our media page a sample press release which
you can use for your local press and tips on how to approach the media. Getting
coverage for your event means more people will become aware of group B Strep
and that is so important. And, who knows, you might even get more supporters!
Thank you all for your help and support – we can’t thank you enough.
Awareness Months 2012
We had two awareness months
during 2012 – firstly, we kicked
off with International Prenatal
Infection Prevention Month in
February. We launched a media
campaign, which resulted in
Prof Philip Steer (Chairman of
the charity’s medical advisory
panel and Emeritus professor at
Imperial College and consultant
obstetrician at the Chelsea and
Westminster Hospital in London)
and Charlotte Cheshire (Adam’s
Mum) being interviewed on
Women’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.
You can listen to this online at
It costs approximately
£250 a month to run the
communications in the office
– a huge amount of time is
spent offering information and
support by phone, email, social
media and the website.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/
p00p8k8j
July was International Group B Strep
Awareness Month – just ahead of
this, we launched our 2012 report in
the House of Commons, highlighting
the various approaches to GBS
prevention. That, coupled with loads
of activity from supporters, resulted
in lots of articles in the press.
And behind the scenes, we were
shipping out loads of information
materials to health professionals to
maternity units around the country.
A SIMPLE TEST TO SAVE A LIFE
Group B Streptococcus is the most common cause of life-threatening infection
in newborn babies, in the UK we don’t prevent it very well
GBS infection in newborn babies
up by 25% in the last decade(1)
30% of women carry GBS
without harm or symptoms
ur to mums with
Intravenous antibiotics given in labo ction in newborn
infe
GBS
ces
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over
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out of every 300 babies
Without preventative medicine 1 become seriously ill, 10%
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ies
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life-long consequences
Risk Factors
•
a•
a•
a•
a•
What to do
Ask your midwife or doctor
about GBS
Visit www.gbss.org.uk/pregnant
Contact Group B Strep Support
GBS detected from urine sample or swab from mum during this pregnancy
A previous sibling having had GBS infection
Mum’s waters breaking more than 18 hours before delivery
Labour starting or waters breaking before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
Mum having a fever in labour
“Life-threatening group B
Strep infections in newborn
babies can usually be
prevented – get informed
and protect your baby.”
Dr Chris Steele MBE Patron of Group B Strep Support
SOURCES
1 2003 HPA EW&NI 0.37/1000 or 229 babies; 2011 0.38/1000 or 281 babies)
2 HPA Guideline www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317132860736
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PO Box 203, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RHI6 IGF
Tel/answerphone: 01444 416176
E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk
www.gbss.org.uk
Regd charity No: 1112065 Regd in England No: 5587535
15
Fundraising news
a huge thank you to:
Amelia Saer Dress Down Day
Amelia was born in 1996 with a GBS infection. Fortunately she made a
full recovery. Amelia wanted to help raise money for the charity so chose
GBS as her charity for her Duke of Edinburgh challenge, she organised a
school dress down day which was a huge success and raised £350.00 for
the charity.
Andrea English Adnams 10K Southwold, Suffolk
18 November
The day of the Adnams’ 10k dawned. It was sunny and bright, perfect
weather for a run around Southwold. As Andrea lined up with the other
runners, she soon realised that there wasn’t the word ‘fun’ in the title of
the race and seemed to be surrounded by some very serious participants
wearing running club t-shirts and warming up in a very professional way.
“I shuffled to the back, standing proud in my Group B Strep Support running
vest. My aim was to get round in
one piece!”
The hooter sounded and the
runners were off. Andrea was
taken along by the other runners
at rather a fast pace and was
exhausted by the time the 1k
marker came up. And there
was another 9k to go! The other
runners disappeared into the
distance and ended up as tiny
specks on the horizon. Andrea
had no choice but to carry on
amid cheers of ‘Come on Andrea’.
“I was lapped by the elite rather
quickly but my mantra was ‘keep
going’, it’s for Group B Strep Support
and think of Orla.”
Slowly Andrea became aware that she might just be the only person
still dragging herself around the course but as she reached the final hill,
amazingly there were still people behind me. “Somehow, my leaden legs
decided to gain pace and I sprinted to the finish. Yipeeee!”
Andrea’s beetroot-face and breathlessness had obviously spurred people
into supporting her on the day and she received further donations at the
finish line.
Andrea started training using a ‘couch potato to 5k’ NHS podcast “When
I started, I couldn’t even jog for three minutes, but nine months later I can do
just about an hour without stopping. Just a little bit more and that’s the 10k
done!”
Andrea says to anyone out there considering running, “Give it a go. If I can
do it, so can you and if you’ve got something to aim towards you are more
determined to carry on.”
Andrea raised an amazing £467.35.
Andy Cotton Ipswich Big Fun Run 21 October
Andy’s partner’s sister Megan sadly died of GBS in October 1998 shortly
before being born. Andy said “I’m raising much needed funds for Group B
Strep Support, a charity very close to mine, and my partner’s heart.”
Andy did really well and finished the 5k race in around 23 minutes coming
30th out of 226! He raised over £235.00 for the charity.
Amanda Hutchison
Manchester Big Fun Run, 11 August
Amanda took part in
the Manchester 5K Big
Fun Run on 11 August
2012. Amanda said
“I’m really glad I did
the run, I’m not sporty
in the slightest but
decided to give it a go
and have really enjoyed
it. It is also wonderful
to contribute to such a
wonderful charity. My
niece was very poorly
as a baby with GBS and
Amanda on the left and her friend Leander getting ready to go!
I was shocked at how
common it is, particularly
as I have 2 children and have never heard of it before!”
Amanda raised £368.75 wonderful.
Andy Rowlands
Coventry Half Marathon
14 October
“When I look back on the stress the
whole family went through during
Toby’s birth and early days. I now just
think it was so worth it, it pulled us
closer together and as a family we
are closer than ever.
“We have since had an amazing
11 months together and there have
been some small lows, but every day
is just a joy having our cheeky little
boy with us.”
This was Andy’s third half
marathon; Andy decided to
run for the charity after his wife
Michelle was told at 26 weeks’
pregnant that she was a carrier.
Andy and his wife found this very
worrying as they were given very
little information at the hospital.
Andy raised a wonderful £275.00
for GBSS.
Toby was born but was very ill, he
had to have a course of antibiotics
and a lumbar puncture, the first
few days of his life were touch and
go and Michelle too was very ill.
Thankfully both pulled through.
Andy said “I am very proud of
myself for completing the half
marathon in such a good time, 1hr
46mins, all the training and effort
paid off.
“The support my friends and family
gave me leading up to and during
the event (especially financially)
really helped push me. My wife
Michelle was especially supportive
even after all she had been through
just a few months earlier.
Ardingly College
Fundraising
The girls of Aberdeen House at
Ardingly College in Sussex, raised
£100 for GBSS after the charity
was nominated by pupil Izzie
Hughes.
16
Natalie & Mike Frost, Bee Aware – Family
Fundraising Event Saturday 11 August
Ye Olde Oyster House, Milton
Cathy Wright Sky Jump in Las Vegas 3 October
Cathy was brave enough to do a
500ft zip wire at the Oval cricket
ground in 2011 for GBSS. She
contacted us again because she
was planning a trip to Las Vegas
and decided she would like to
do another zip wire while she
was there, this time it was going
to be a vertical zip wire from the
108th floor of the Stratosphere
hotel – approximately 855 feet.
Cathy said “Yes I’m am mad but
it’s something I feel I have to do”
“What an amazing day! The sun was
shining and everyone had lots of fun!
We raised a fantastic total of £2,977
by having a BBQ, a cake sale, a
raffle, lots of children’s games, a silent
auction, a man auction in the evening
and from lots of generous donations
from our supporters! Special thanks
to the staff at the Oyster House for
helping us put on the event and to
the staff at the Thatched House for
donating their tips!
Mike Frost after presenting Jane Plumb Chief
Executive of GBSS with a cheque for the
Bee’s on Ben Nevis challenge.
“We truly hope that all our efforts will
help to reduce the tragic loss of life
& spare more parents from the utter
heartbreak we, and so many others have had to endure.”
Here’s a picture of Cathy before she jumped
The climb and the fundraising day were held in memory of the Frost’s
beautiful daughter Ella, and we are very grateful & proud that they were
SO successful, see page 21 for further detail.
“ I can promise you I actually did
do it. Once I was on my way it was
great, but quite scary before. It
wasn’t the height that phased me,
it didn’t feel like you were attached
to anything. They just said let go
and you’ll be fine. It took me quite
a few minutes to feel confident
enough to do it. They increased
the tension on the wire so I felt
more secure then I was OK to go.”
Huge thanks to Cathy who
raised £431.28 for GBSS.
The Stratosphere Tower
Four little Bee’s at the Fun day
There was a great turnout on the day
Marie Hattersley Ebay Auctions 25 February
Marie auctioned lots of items on Ebay – things of her own, things donated
from friends and family – a percentage of the sales donated to GBSS. The
week was a huge success and Marie raised £1000.00!
Leanne & Shea Breen & family Belfast Marathon
7 May
Leanne and her brother Shea
along with three other family
members Anthony, Hannah and
John, formed a relay to take part in
the Belfast City Marathon.
however, she helped by collecting
sponsorship donations. Together
the Breen family raised £848.28
for GBSS in memory of Shea and
Charlene’s daughter Eva Belle.
Leanne said “The weather was
horrendous. It rained heavily and it
was windy for the whole marathon
but we did it!
“There was a good atmosphere so
that kept us going along with the
reason why we were doing it in the
first place. We were all very cold and
wet by the end of it but it felt great
to have done it and I for one enjoyed
it. Plus we had our parents and
sisters waiting in the rain to cheer us
on at the four change-over points.
“The GBSS charity and work that
they do is hugely important to us
and one that is very close to our
hearts,” said Chris.
“Any chance we have of raising
awareness and fund raising we
are eager to do and this is just
our little way of giving a little back
to Jane, Marie and the rest of the
team in their continuous quest to
make this a routine test during
pregnancy to avoid something that
could be prevented. I completed
the 10k in 53 minutes which I
was happy with as it was a red
hot day”.
Chris raised £1390.77.
Chris after his race with Bethany and Mikey
Jon & Caroline Constable Memorial Fund for
Samuel Constable
Leanne, Shea, Jon and Hannah
“It’s hard to believe that Samuel would have been 3 years old on Friday 15th
June. Samuel was taken from us by the Group B Streptococcus bacteria which
got into his lungs and caused pneumonia.
“We feel so blessed that Samuel’s baby sister Faith is with us, but it breaks our
heart watching her grow up without her older brother to play with and makes
us realise just how many milestones we have missed with Samuel.”
“We managed to complete the
marathon in 4 hours 10 minutes
and 24 seconds with Shea running
the last leg and Charlene waiting on
him at the finishing line.”
Shea’s wife Charlene couldn’t run
as she was pregnant at the time
Chris Walsh Leeds 10k 8 July
One of the things that kept John and Caroline Constable going is the
hope that with all the work this charity does, it will make a difference and
will stop other families experiencing such a tragic loss, Jon took on the
challenge of cycling from London to Brighton to help raise funds for the
charity, he raised a whopping £5,245.51.
Shea & Charlene
Thank you to both Jon and Caroline for their continued support.
17
Clare Billet & Mouchel – Dress Down Day May
Clare who works for Mouchel, an international infrastructure and
business services group contacted us to let us know that GBSS had been
chosen to receive the proceeds from one of their dress down days. At
the beginning of each year employees nominate a charity, and GBSS was
Clare’s nominated charity. “Luckily, we were picked. Everyone dressed down
and donated a £1.”
Clare said “I discovered I had group B Strep whilst pregnant with my first
baby. It was something I had never heard of before and do not feel there is
enough emphasis on it.”
Thank you Clare for putting the charity forward and to the employees of
Mouchel for donating £198.72 to GBSS.
Classic Collection Holidays – Team Atlantic Cake
Sale November
Trudy Charles from Team Atlantic
told us “Our team all love baking so
we thought it would be a great idea
to all bring in samples of our baking
and sell them for charity.
“We chose GBSS to donate to as
my daughter Alexie was born with a
strep B infection. We were very lucky
to have an excellent midwife who
spotted her condition straight away
and got her on antibiotics the night
she was born.”
Alexie made a full recovery and is
a very happy and healthy toddler.
“Since then I have always followed
the work that GBSS do and would
love to see better screening in this
country as well as an increased
awareness amongst medical
professionals.”
Trudy sent us some pictures of
the cakes and they look amazing
– shame GBSS couldn’t pop in to
try some! The cake sale was very
popular and helped raise £150.00
for GBSS.
Dan Milock & friends run the Hadley 10K
3 June
“ The weather wasn’t kind to us on
the day, but the first 6-7 k were fine,
it was after that I struggled slightly
but the 3 of us, myself and my good
friends Mike Gooch and John Acklam
kept each other going and in the
final kilometre or so I had to really
remember why I was doing it, it was
in memory of my daughter Isla who
Clare Phillips Fundraising
Fete 24 August
Clare and her family organised a
fundraising fete at her local pub
garden in Hull. Clare had arranged
lots of fun things for everyone to
do. The day was going really well
with everyone having a wonderful
time until bad weather forced it to
finish early which was a real shame.
Even with the bad weather
interrupting the fete, raised
£540.00 for GBSS. Huge thanks to
Clare and her family.
Emma Bowden Sky
Dive for GBSS
Emma’s sky dive was planned
for the 5th July but due to bad
weather. It was postponed until
August. Luckily the weather was
fine for jumping and Emma bravely
completed the jump raising
£280.00 for GBSS.
John Godfrey and
James Watson –
October Windsor
half marathon
John Godfrey and James Watson
took part in the 2012 Windsor half
marathon on 7 October.
James said “It was mine and John’s
(Godfrey) pleasure to run for you
guys. Our close friend Kirsti lost
her little girl to the infection and
informed us of the charity.
Glen Thornton’s –
60th Birthday Party
June
Glen and Christine thought
that Glen’s 60th Birthday party
would be a great way of raising
awareness and funds for GBSS.
They asked friends and family
instead of buying Glen a birthday
present if they would consider
donating to the charity.
Glen and Christine’s granddaughter
Olivia was born with a Group B
Strep infection and spent seven
day’s on life support, thankfully she
pulled through and recovered fully.
The party was a wonderful success
everyone attended had a great
time and together their friends and
family raised £497.44.
Kamie Elkington Great
Manchester Run 20 May
“The run was brilliant, great
atmosphere and I’m glad I did it for
GBSS, I wanted to run for this charity
as I lost my baby at 20 weeks pre
term and the post mortem said
Strep B was found I had never heard
of it before so I wanted to raise
more awareness. My daughter’s due
date was May, the same as the
Manchester run so that gave me
inspiration to get motivated.”
“The run went ok and was a
great experience with a brilliant
atmosphere. I think I completed it in
1hour 40mins (with a ten min queue
for the loo half way round) so I am
very proud.”
Kamie raised £175.00 which is
fantastic, well done Kamie.
We actually really enjoyed the run,
luckily the weather was kind to us
and we had a few supporters to
cheer us round!”
had contracted GBS at just a few
hours old, the fight and courage she
showed for the 5 days she was with
us far outweighed what I was going
through. Between myself Mike and
John we’ve raised over £1500 for
your wonderful charity.
“My wife Emma and I know how
much it helps, it was a pleasure
running for you and we wore our
GBSS t-shirts with enormous pride.
Let’s keep the charity on people’s
minds always!”
Dan, Mike and John raised in total
£1912.57 Amazing! Thanks guys for
all your hard work.
James and John both completed
the race and raised a fantastic
£1394.62 for Group B Strep
Support.
Emma, Lauren &
Liam Taylor Big Fun
Run Southampton
20 October
Emma and her children Liam and
Lauren took part in the 5K Big
Fun Run in Southampton. The
event was held at Southampton
Common.
The family had a great time and
raised £20 for the charity.
Maria Cook Fundraising
stall August
Maria has been a supporter
of GBSS since the loss of her
daughter Megan in October 1998.
On 4 August Maria ran a stall at
her local Church fundraising fete
and raised £50.00 for GBSS.
18
Emma Rouse Cardiff Half Marathon 14 October
Emma and her Niece Stephanie
signed up to run in the Cardiff
half marathon Emma wanted to
help raise funds for the charity
who gave her much needed
support and information following
the death of her baby from GBS
infection.
Emma and Stephanie before the race
Emma said “Stephanie and I
completed the half marathon in 2
hours and 3 minutes so we are both
very pleased. It was a beautifully
sunny day but very cold the event
itself was amazing”.
It was part of a busy weekend for
Emma as on the day before the half
marathon Emma and her daughter
Isabelle arranged a coffee morning
and cake sale at their house, Emma
told us “The cake sale was a huge
success. We met so many new
The cakes
neighbours and it was a lovely day
with people staying for a few hours and catching up with people they hadn’t
spoken to for years. We raised an amazing £536!”
Emma’s daughter Isabelle was
very keen to do her own thing
to help spread the word about
GBS so when her school Howell’s
School, Llandaff had a ‘wear your
own clothes to school day’ on
12 October 2012 Isabelle came
Helpers at the cake sale
up with the idea for everyone to
dress in yellow for GBSS. The whole of the junior school took part, and
the day was a great success raising £382.00.
Emma told us “Isabelle made a lovely comment about how she felt when
she walked into school last Friday. It was something like ...”my heart almost
burst when I walked into school and saw all the girls dressed in yellow and
I knew it was to support us. People really care.” Huge thanks go to the
Principal Mrs Judith Ashill for all her support and to everyone who
took part.
Isabelle didn’t stop there – she wrote to her local Sainsbury’s to ask
permission to stand outside with her mum handing out information
leaflets and collecting donations one Saturday. They were given
permission and it went really well, they managed to raise lots of
awareness.
After a very busy few weeks
Emma said “David and I have been
so amazed by everyone’s generosity
and Isabelle has had a brilliant time.”
Emma with the help from Isabelle
and Stephanie has raised a total of
£1473.00 Fantastic.
Isabelle and the class of 5S
(Isabelle is in the blue GBSS T-shirt).
Jaime Goddard Children’s Summer Ball 15 July
Jaime felt the need to do something for GBSS after her son Teddy
contracted GBS Meningitis when he was born. Fortunately Teddy
recovered and is doing really well.
Jaime came up with the idea of a Children’s Summer Ball, She set the date
for 15 July and set to work planning the event.
The party was held at The Abbey Hill Golf Club in Milton Keynes, it
was a hugely successful night. Everyone dressed up. Jaime had organised
food, a disco and entertainer, a raffle with great prizes donated including;
vouchers for the Rainforest Café and TGI Friday’s, a micro scooter, a
Snozone voucher, a bag from River Island and lots, lots more. They even
had a professional photographer coming to take pictures so families could
buy a memento of the event with all the money going to the charity.
A wonderful evening was had by all and Jaime raised £2870.00 for
GBSS – Amazing.
Helen Cole Family
Fundraising Walk
30 September
Helen helped organise a 4.5 mile
family walk around Virginia Waters
in Farnborough with a lovely
picnic for everyone afterwards.
Helen carried GBS when she
was pregnant with her daughter
Zoe and wanted to help raise
awareness and funds for GBSS.
The day was a success with
everyone having a wonderful time
a great deal of awareness so far
we have received £26.50 with
more still to come.
Hayley & Scott
Bradshaw Big Fun Run
Sheffield
“We decided to do the Big Fun Run
again this year to raise funds for
GBSS. We last did it in 2010, as I
was busy having George last year!”
“It was a really great day. I was
worried about taking part in a
running event now, as, although I’ve
previously been quite fit and active,
I’ve found it more difficult to get
back into shape and fitness after
having had my third baby, George.
But I managed to get round the
track in only a few minutes slower
than my personal best, so I was
really chuffed! Again, it was great to
have Alfie & Mollie run with me the
last 100 meters, cross the line, and
craftily claim a goodie bag!
“We’ve always done fundraising for
GBSS. It all started when our eldest,
Alfie, contracted GBS meningitis
when he was born in 2006. He’s a
perfectly fit young lad now, but the
memories of the tortuous days sat in
the special care baby unit, and days
afterwards on the postnatal ward
with him having antibiotics through
a cannula, don’t go away. It was an
easier affair when I had Mollie &
George, as it was in my notes and I
had preventative antibiotics in labour
with them both, and felt that I was
able to have a conversation with my
midwives, which of course never ever
happened when I was pregnant with
Alfie.
“I can completely understand
that there is so much out there in
terms of information and stories
that would probably put people off
having babies! But it’s so important
that information is available, and
that women are given the informed
choice, about what to do and what
to be tested for.
“I’m so glad that we chose to do this
event, and roll on next year!”
Hayley and Scott raised £609.44.
Keith Watson Coast to
Coast cycle ride June
Keith took on the challenge of
cycling coast to coast for GBSS,
accompanied by friends. He
completed his challenge and raised
£175.00 for GBSS.
Jane Ashby Henley Half
Marathon 14 October
Jane said, “I said I’d never run another
marathon (14 years ago!) but I
thought that maybe a half marathon
would be ‘fun’? I took up running
again after we lost our baby Harriet
to Group B Strep in 2009 at only
one day old. Sadly, this was the first
that we had heard of Group B Strep
which is commonly carried by healthy
pregnant women”.
Jane completed the half marathon
raising an amazing £918.25.
Kirsti Trew Zumba
Party April
On Good Friday, 6 April Kirsti,
who has been a long-time
supporter of GBSS, hosted a
Zumba Party at The Meadhurst
Club in Sunbury all in aid of
Group B Strep Support. It was a
happy occasion to mark the 10th
birthday of Kirsti’s daughter Molly,
who was stillborn due to GBS
infection. As well as the Zumba
dancing they held a balloon race
and other fun activities.
Kirsti said “The Zumba party was
a huge success raising £923.08 for
GBSS and of course making a lot
more people aware.”
Huge thanks to Kirsti and all her
family and friends.
Jo McKerchar – Isla’s
Naming Day 12 August
Joanne McKerchar thought a nice
way to help raise awareness and
funds for GBSS would be to ask for
donations in lieu of gifts for her new
baby daughter’s Naming Day. She
had done this previously in 2010
when Isla’s older brother James had
his special day too.
Joanne said “Isla’s big day went very
well and we managed to raise a small
sum of money for GBSS. Everyone
was very generous.”
Isla’s lovely family and friends
donated £198.72 to the charity.
19
Joanne Poskitt
100 mile walk July
Jo was very keen on helping raise
awareness and funds after her niece
Cora was infected with late onset
GBS.
Jo set herself the challenge of
walking 100 miles in 48 hours. The
route she chose was from Temple
Hirst to York Minster and back,
twice along a safe cycle track.
Jo set off on 7 July. She had plenty
of walking buddies to join in at
various points in the walk to keep
her company. Unfortunately Jo
didn’t manage to make the full
100 miles. After 16 hours and 54
miles her circulation became a big
concern and the decision was made
to call it a day. Jo said, “Although I
was gutted I wasn’t going to risk my
health.”
The Labour Club charity gig for GBSS
(a group that raises awareness of the
dangers of GBS in pregnant women)
– Bean had performed as part of
his main band Hell Death Fury, a
high energy and entertaining set of
ska-punk, rock and metal mixes. Also
on the bill was the ever reliable Jordan
Whatley, playing for the first time
after a long lay-off for flu’, and the
hugely talented 15 year old Lauren
Medway with a mix of covers and an
original, amongst which Alicia Keys’
‘New York’ and her own version of
‘Summertime’ were outstanding. The
gig raised £120 for GBSS and future
gigs will also add to this sum.”
Mel has put on a few more gigs
since then and at each has had the
GBSS wristbands on sale at each
event all which has helped put the
total raised by Mel to £350.00.
Well done Jo for all your efforts,
you’ve raised a wonderful total of
£1408.08.
Nick and Angie Graff
10k walk/run
14 January
Lindsay Birkett
Fashion Show 15 June
Nick and Angie organised their
third annual 10k walk/run for family
and friends along the seafont in
their hometown of Eastbourne.
Lindsay arranged another one of
her amazing fashion shows in June
they had the help of some fabulous
models.
Angie said “The run was another
great success, We enjoyed doing this
event and it gave us such a boost to
know that we were doing something
for Daisy and others.”
Between the families involved £763
was raised for the charity.
Gillian Cahill Glasgow Big Fun Run 14 July
“I first became aware of the Big Fun Run last year when a link was posted
on the GBSS Facebook page and it is something that I have wanted to take
part in since then. Unfortunately I broke my ankle before last year’s event but
there was no stopping me this year! GBSS is a charity very close to my heart
because I was one of the lucky ones and was found to have GBS before my
sons were born. I received antibiotics before my first son was born and my
second son received antibiotics just after he was born.
“I really enjoyed the Big Fun Run on Saturday – despite the route having a
lot more hills than I expected! I finished in just under 40 minutes and was
pleased with that (I joined a jogging group in January and although I am loving
it, I still have a long way to go before I could be considered to be jogger!). The
weather was very kind to us and it was dry for the duration of the run.
“Our boys enjoyed the event and our 4 year old had a great time handing
our GBSS stickers. My husband spoke to a lot of people and handed out
the leaflets. He also spoke to someone whose wife was pregnant and if he
reached just one person, he was so happy to have spoken to this man. He
was completely unaware of what GBS was and he was going to speak to his
wife about it and show her the leaflet.
“My husband and I want to do all
that we can to raise awareness of
GBS and support GBSS. I am going
to enter the Glasgow Big Fun Run
again next year for GBSS and hope to
make it a family entry!”
Gillian and her family helped raise
£135.00 which is wonderful.
Jason Wright Ipswich Big Fun Run 21 October
Jason signed up for the Ipswich Big Fun Run that was held at Christchurch
Park. Jason gave the reasons for his taking part in the event;
Jason said, “I am running the big 5K fun run on Sunday 21 October to raise
money for Group B Strep Support, in memory of our little boy Callum who
sadly passed away twelve years ago from a Strep B infection when he was
just 11 days old.”
Strep B infections in babies are still
extremely common unfortunately
as a lot of people are still unaware
of its life threatening effects, as we
were twelve years ago.
L to R Catherine Painter; Laura Marsh;
Suzanne Dack; Lindsay Birkett; and Stacey Allen
Alongside the fashion show they
held a raffle which helped take the
total raised on the night to £797.00,
amazing.
One of the raffle
prizes a handbag
cake featuring
the GBSS bee
aware bee.
Mel Austin Charity
Music Gigs Melksham
28 January
Mel Austin has done some great
fundraising in the past for us. So
combining his love of music and
wanting to help the charity, Mel
arranged a charity gig night in his
local Labour Club in Melksham,
Wiltshire.
A local review from the night;
“The previous Saturday had seen
some of the same acts perform at
Harry & Molly Graff who ran in memory of
their sister Daisy.
Sue & Alan Gough
Signs for Rosie
Sue & Alan lost their grand-daughter
Rosie at four days old to GBS
infection. Sue belongs to a sign
language group that sign to wellknown music. Sue said, “This gave the
idea of raising awareness through solo
performances given to local clubs and
homes for the elderly.”
Alan introduces each performance
with a brief description of
importance of knowing about GBS
and what the work of GBSS is trying
to achieve.
Signs For Rosie has been a great
success and to date has raised over
£600 for the charity. So big thanks to
Sue and Alan for all their hard work.
“Group B Strep Support is a fantastic
charity who helped Clare and I and
our families when we lost Callum,
as they do for lots of other families
too. They also help raise awareness
which is vitally important to prevent
the terrible consequences we faced as a family. We were lucky enough five
years ago to have our second little boy Jack, who we are pleased to say had
no effects of GBS due to the vital information we received from GBSS. Who
knows. Without it things could have been a lot different.”
Jason completed the run with Jack and Clare cheering him on. Jason raised
£759.26 brilliant.
Rachel Shaw Big Fun Run Newcastle 6 October
Rachel took part in the Newcastle 5k Big Fun Run which was held around
Newcastle Town Moor; her daughter Daisy contracted GBS infection at
birth.
She said “The thing that makes me most angry is if I had a small test to find
out if I had GBS when I was pregnant, I could have had the antibiotics and
Daisy would not have had to go through all of this from one day old. I am very
lucky that my daughter is here now but she has suffers with after-effects to
this day.”
Rachel wanted to help more people be aware of GBS and how important
it is to know that you’re a carrier.
Rachel completed the 5k run and raised £47.82.
20
Isobel Chappel London Marathon April
“Running the London marathon was the most amazing and insane experience
of my life. It was sort of a spur-of-the-moment decision, as I’d never run long
distance before, and thought as challenges go, its a pretty good one!”
The training and fundraising for GBSS and the general build up was all good
fun, but nothing could’ve prepared Isobel for the actual day. It was surreal!
The crowds were amazing, everyone shouting your name and encouraging you,
high-fiving the runners, and basically keeping us going... you might have noticed,
26.2 miles is a long way and takes some motivation! But the energy of the
crowds and the runners was astounding and to be honest, although I managed
to injure myself the week before the marathon and it was consequently quite
a tough and painful race. I only have good memories of the day, it really was
something I’ll never forget.
“I’m just so pleased I was able to help Group B Strep Support and raise some
awareness for them; I had a running top printed with the logo and name, and
everyone I spoke to said what a great little charity it was to be promoting. I’m
really pleased with how well my sponsorship page did as well, I wasn’t expecting
to raise over £400! I would say to anyone looking to attempt the marathon
that 1) you need a running buddy! My twin sister kept me going when both my
knees wanted to stop! 2) just relax and enjoy it, as silly as that sounds and 3) if
you can run it for a cause as worthwhile as GBSS then you’ve done well.”
Isobel was amazing and in total raised a wonderful £533.20.
Matt Hawkins Sky Dive 12 May
Matt Hawkins very bravely signed up for a sky dive to help raise funds and
awareness for GBSS.
The Skydive was brilliant and highly recommend it to anyone who wants
to do it.
Matt said, “The day went very well and the instructors settled my nerves
very well, it took 20 minutes to reach the jump height of 10,000ft and only
4 minutes to get back down to earth. The freefall was for 5,000ft which only
took us 30 seconds as we were travelling at around 125mph. My cameraman
was very close to us to get the best pictures – he was so close that we
managed to high-five at around 7,000ft. Once our parachute opened all
became very quiet and relaxed. I just hung taking in the view and reflecting on
the reason I was doing this, at this point I got a little emotional but still smiling
as I knew Bethany was with me and very proud.
“We landed very comfortably and my adrenaline was running very high, I
wanted to run straight back to the plane and do it all again. So maybe some
more jumps in the future, think I have the bug for it now.”
The Skydive was brilliant and highly recommend it to anyone who wants
to do it.
Matt raised and amazing £698.59 in memory of his daughter Bethany, well
done Matt!
Xafinity Paymaster
Dress Down Day
The lovely people at the Xafinity
Paymaster office in Crawley all
took part in a dress down day
on 9th March, all the proceeds
were to benefit GBSS they raised
£186.50.
Tony Page Walk to
Work with Sheredes
Senior School
29 February
Tony Page was the caretaker
at Sheredes Senior School in
Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. On
29th February he walked the
eight miles to work from his
home in Harlow. Tony left at 5:30
am arriving at work at 8.00 am.
Tony’s son Ashton was seriously
ill after birth with GBS infection
but has thankfully made a full
recovery. Tony and his partner
Eloise had never heard of the
infection and were shocked to
find out that a simple test and
treatment with antibiotics in
labour could have prevented
their family going through such a
worrying time.
Tony said “The walk took me about
two and half hours and has inspired
the school to want to do more for
the charity. I want to do more for
the charity as the satisfaction I got
from raising money made me feel
so good!! I would like to organise
another walk but this time get the
students involved and I am looking at
doing 18 miles this time. Hoping to
raise more and more for GBSS as it’s
something I feel very strongly about.”
John with Keira and Daniel
John Boyce – London
to Windsor Cycle
2 September
John Boyce took part in the
London to Windsor cycle race
and chose the 75 mile route.
John’s wife Jac said; “John completed
the ride and we are very proud of
him. The pictures show John at the
finish line In one of the photos you
will see 3 children. Our daughter,
Kiera received antibiotics for the
first few days of her life as I was
found to be positive for Group B in
a swab taken after the stillbirth of
her sister 10 months earlier. Daniel
was put on group B watch for the
first 36 hours of his life. Both John
and I are so grateful for the work of
GBSS and will continue to help raise
awareness.”
Well done John for completing the
challenge and raising £390.00 for
GBSS.
Tony and the school raised
£306.00 for GBSS plus Tony
really helped raising awareness
through talking to his local media!
Nick Robinson – Beardgrowing November
Nick wanted to help raise funds
for GBSS after his daughter Amelie
contracted GBS when she was
eight days old.
Nick said “As high as 10% of babies
who get GBS do not survive. We
are so glad she is still with us. I am
growing a perfectly formed ginger
beard to celebrate! If we hit £1000,
I will keep it on
all December for
my alternative
Father Christmas
look.”Nick
managed to
raise £1595.00
for GBSS,
Fantastic!
John at the finish line
Neil Whiting
Silverstone
Half Marathon 11 March
Neil took part in the Silverstone
half marathon in March 2012 to
help raise funds and awareness for
GBSS. Neil was inspired to raise
money for the charity after his
good friends Pam and Lee Tomkins
lost their first child James to GBS
infection at twenty days old.
Neil completed the race in the
fantastic time of 1hour 50 and
raised £325.00 in James’s Memory.
21
Joanna, Stuart and
Joseph Littlewood
Leeds Big Fun Run
12 August
Joanna and her son Joseph once
again took part in the Leeds
Big Fun Run this time bringing
along dad Stuart too. They all
completed the race and had a
great day raising £190.38 for
GBSS.
Toni Court Great
North Run
16 September
Jane Rawlings and family’s fundraising walk 18 August
This is the second year Jane and
her family have organised and
took part in their fundraising walk
they walked in memory of Jane’s
grandson Harry who sadly passed
away from a GBS infection at just
three day’s old.
Everyone
who took
Ready to go!
part had a
great time and they raised £369.53. Jane’s daughter
Sarah told GBSS that they are going to make it an
annual event, in memory of Harry.
Toni completed the 13.1 miles in
2 hours 35 minutes and raised
£317.00 for GBSS.
Tara Haythornwaite
Dance Show Bristol
8 February
Tara contacted GBSS in
December 2011 to tell the charity
she was intending to arrange,
and put on, a dance show at
her school the Mangotsfield
Secondary School in Bristol to
help raise funds and awareness for
Group B Strep Support.
Tara said “The show went great!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed
themselves.”
Huge thanks to everyone who
took part, the total raised by Tara
and the school was £300.00.
In November, Norton Radstock
Ladies Circle members braved
the cold weather to cater for the
fireworks display in Midsomer
Norton, organised by the local
Roundtable.
Mike Frost & The Bees on Ben Nevis August
Toni said, “GBSS is mega important
to me and my family after our
gorgeous boy Tom was born with
the illness in 2009. After that I
really wanted to do something to
fundraise for them and went from
an exercise-phobe to Marathon
runner in 2011! Unfortunately I
gave up after that so the Great
North Run got me back in the
saddle and lacing up my runners
again.
“Race days are quite good fun but
two hour long runs on your own on
a Sunday in the rain are miserable
so knowing some kind person out
there will give me a fiver to help all
the children out there who need it
really helps me get out of bed and
forgo a bacon butty, Thank you”
Norton Radstock
Ladies Circle Raising
Money Group B
Strep Support
at Local Firework
Display November
Sally and Nicky cooking the Burgers
Mike Frost, Billy Robertson, Lian Sissons, James Williamson, Liam Neville, Mike Steele, Jason Parker,
Rich LeStrange, Phil Rodden, Simon Flannery, James Townsend, Dave Houghton, Joe Triccas,
Rory Goddard & Ben Turvey
Mike said, “Our swarm of Bees left Portsmouth Friday 3rd August at 4.30am,
and after a 14 hour, 554 mile drive they finally arrived at the Chase the
Goose Hostel in Fort William.”
On Saturday 4th August 2012 at 9.30am they started their epic climb up
all 4,409ft of Ben Nevis! All 15 of the Bees reached the summit together
4 hours 30 mins later, while raising £85 from other generous climbers &
raising lots of awareness of GBS!
Cooking over 200 sausages and
burgers, there was a steady flow
of customers looking for some
hot food to warm them up. Emma
Conneely, Chair of Ladies Circle
said, “We had great fun on the
night and worked well as a team
and also managed to watch the
fireworks – in between serving
customers! It’s a fun way to raise
money for a worthy cause and I am
delighted to say we raised £200 on
the night, We also held a Quiz Night
and Fashion show taking the total
raised for GBSS to £630.00.”
The Bees spent about an hour on the summit enjoying the view, taking
photos, getting naked (Joe Triccas for £20 donation!) and letting off
balloons that apparently didn’t want to leave the mountain top!
Everyone has said that although the climb was difficult especially in the
heat (24 degrees in Scotland?!), it was an amazing experience and we have
already started planning next years climb!
Mike Frost said “Reaching the summit was a very proud and emotional
moment for all of us. I blew our Ella a big kiss and told her I loved her. It is the
highest point I can reach & the closest I will be to her for now.’ ”
Lian Sissons said “I was at the back the whole time and I never thought I
would make it up there! Luckily we all supported each other and every time
I felt like I couldn’t go on, I would think of the heartache that this has caused
Mike and Natalie, and my goddaughter Ella and I just refused to give up.’ ”
They have currently raised over £4500 with more donations being added
all the time!
Huge thanks and well done to everyone who took part the final total
raised was £5261.60.
From left to right, Lorna , Alex, Emma and
Lesley serving up front
Nicolae Manolescu
Virgin London
Marathon April
Nicolae contacted us after he
secured his place in the 2012
Virgin London Marathon. He
wanted to raise funds for the
charity after his wife was told she
was a GBS carrier after the birth
of their daughter Megan. Megan
spent some time in SCBU and
was given antibiotics, thankfully she
made a full recovery.
Nicolae did an amazing run
completing the marathon in 5
hours 21 minutes and raising
£436.67 for the charity.
22
Katy Smith Brighton Half Marathon,The Great
North Run & Birmingham Half Marathon
“I ran the Brighton Half Marathon, the Great North Run and the Birmingham
Half Marathon in 2012, raising over £500 for GBSS in memory of Layla Rose,
the daughter of a dear friend. Layla picked up a Group B Strep infection
before she came into the world and is now sleeping with the angels.
“I felt proud to run the race wearing my GBSS vest hoping that if it saves at
least one life by either the money donated or the awareness raised it made
it all worthwhile. And when things
got tough I thought of Layla and my
friend, about how strong she was
to go through such a horrible thing
as losing a child and my temporary
‘pain’ seemed so insignificant!”
GBSS were fantastic with the
support that they provided and
they were a pleasure to fundraise
for! If anyone is thinking of raising
money for them please do it!!!
Michael Goddard Charity Football day 23 June
Michael said, “I organised this event
because it is a charity close to home.
My nephew Teddy Goddard was
born with a GBS infection and in
the Intensive Care unit for the first
2 weeks of his life which was a very
hard time for all the family.”
Michael and his nephew Teddy
The event was held at The New
Park, Greenleys, Milton Keynes. “We had a charity football match between
two works’ teams, Kuehne & Nagel v’s Echo the match ended 2-1 to Kuehne
+ Nagel which is their 5th charity match win in a row.”
Also on the day there was a Tombola stall, a cake stall, guess the weight
of the cake, a BBQ and a raffle. With all of these things at the event we
managed to raise a great amount of money a total of £765.12 which is
fantastic.
“I couldn’t have done this event without the help of some of the following
people, Zoe (fiancée) Linda (mum) Mick (dad) Ronnie (brother) Julie (mother
in law) Angela (family friend) Dale (cousin) and of course the two football
teams The Echo and Kuehne & Nagel.”
After the Brighton Half marathon 2012
Lucy Hewes Pianothon Summer
In the Summer, Lucy organised an event called the London Street
Pianothon, where she raised funds by playing as many pianos as possible
that were dotted around the streets of London whilst only walking or
cycling (on Boris Bikes!) between them (Managed to play 31 out of 50
over 12 hours, covering around 15+ miles!)
Members of Lucy’s Ascot, Caversham, Tilehurst and Henley Rock Choir
sponsored her per piano which gave Lucy the incentive to keep going. She
managed to raise over £1000.
“I was originally raising the money for
the Royal Brompton Hospital where
I was rushed to as a baby and who
looked after me for several weeks.
It turned out that I had fluid on the
lungs, pneumonia, and contracted
Streptococcus from my birth.
“After hearing the news of the
Brompton surgery closing last year I
did some research and came across
GBSS, which is a charity that now
means a lot to me. My Mum has
always made me aware of being
tested if I have children of my own
one day, but so many expecting
mothers do not even know anything about it, so it’s great that a charity like
this exists.”
Nicola Pilling Charity Concert Raffle & Auction
21 September
Nicola said, “We chose GBSS
because our daughter, Jessica, was
diagnosed with GBS meningitis
at one day old. It was the most
terrifying experience of our lives
and we are so lucky that Jessica
came through it unscathed. We
held a charity concert and auction
at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium
and hopefully through our event
and the publicity that it created
we have managed to raise awareness of GBS as well as much needed
funds. We believe that routine testing for GBS would help to prevent the
unnecessary suffering of so many babies and their families.”
The evening was a great success and £2000 was raised! Thank you to
Nicola and all her family and friends.
Kuehne + Nagel Football Team
Echo Football Team
Munns Farm Day Nursery, Charity of the Year
Carolyn Middleton from Munns
Farm Day Nursery in Hertfordshire
called the office in early 2012 to
let us know that the nursery had
chosen GBSS to be their Charity
of the year after one of their
Mum’s had been affected and had
a very difficult time. They arranged
various events throughout the
year including Leap for Leap Year
where the children had a chance to
leap into paint, ball pools and from
crates they also held a summer
fun day in September in total
all the staff, children and families
and friends raised a magnificent
£2113.85 for GBSS.
Paola Brennan Brighton
Marathon 15 April
Paola took part in her third
consecutive Brighton marathon for
GBSS in April
Paola said “What an amazing
day: perfect weather, great crowd!
Felt strong all the way! Didn’t hit
the WALL at all! Regular nutrition
throughout with shot blocks and gels
and only drunk when needed made
the difference! I finished in 3:41
soooooo over the moon, so proud
of my little legs and so happy I was
wearing the GBSS vest!!!
“Now, I’m enjoying a day off wearing
my medal!!!”
Paola raised £1025.90 for GBSS
which is fantastic.
23
Royal Bank of Scotland – The Great South Run
28 October
Liam Madigan who works for the RBS said, “The team at RBS Corporate
Banking chose GBSS as our ‘2012 charity of the year’. GBSS is a charity very
close to our hearts; three members of the team have personally benefitted
from the great work which GBSS carry out. It was decided some 6 months ago
that we would like to take on the 10 mile challenge of the Great South Run.
Not only would this help get us in shape but would raise the profile of GBSS
and raise sponsorship along the way. So the day arrived and some were more
prepared than others! After waiting around in the bitter cold for what seemed
like hours we eventually passed the start line. There were no dramas and we
all surprisingly posted respectable times, much down to the adrenaline and
buzz of the day. It was a great day all round in aid of a great cause. Now for
the next challenge! “
The team did a wonderful job and
raised £1890.69 for GBSS. Thanks
to everyone who took part.
The employees at RBS corporate
banking in Chandlers Ford also
held a charity Golf day on the 13
September. This alone raised just
over £2500. On top of this the RBS
run a community cash back award
scheme where up to 10 members
of staff can match the money they
raised during the event, adding this
to the total raised on the day it
makes a whopping £5817.00.
Left to right; Daryl Gayler, Dan Salanson, Alison
Trant, Neil Foulkes, Julian Howard, Chris Shaw,
Terry Koizou, Stephen Davison and
Liam Madigan.
Team Izzy Leicester Half Marathon 14 October
Jackie Hill writes “On New Year’s Eve, our littlest princess, my granddaughter,
Izzybella Joanna Pawley, fell asleep aged two weeks. Unbeknown to any of
us, she had contracted a Group B Strep infection. Her heart-broken parents
Kealy and Kyle will never fully understand why, or forget their most precious gift,
and they wanted to raise awareness and give little Izzybella a voice in helping
preventing this happening to other babies.”
On 14th October Izzybella’s Dad
Kyle and other members of her
family, extended family and friends
ran the Leicester half marathon.
“ The achy muscles and joints have
been worth it as so far Izzybella’s
team altogether have raised over
£1,400 including funds raised by our
friend Laura Elson who on the 30th
August put on a charity show. We are
privileged to have had the chance to
left to right is Martyn biddles, Kyle Pawley,
give our littlest princess a voice and
Jason Asher, Jackie Hill, Kirsty Hill and
a meaning to her life. Nothing will
Wesley Bugg.
take away the pain of losing a baby
but helping you spread the word and
aiming to get routine checks compulsory means Izzybella didn’t die in vain and
will live on in our hearts forever.”
The final total raised by Jackie, Kyle, Kealy and their family and friends is
£2,120. Amazing.
Tom Ungi & the Dream Team take on the Paris
Marathon 15 April
Super fit RBS employee Antony
White signed up to run the 2012
London marathon, he completed
the race in a great time and raised
£1959.36 for GBSS.
Tom Ungi said “I’m running Paris for my
daughter, Chloe Annabel Ungi, who was
born asleep on the 13 April 2011. On
the 3 May in Jarrow, Tyne & Wear we
laid her to rest.
This means the wonderful
people at Royal Bank of Scotland
Corporate Banking in Chandlers
Ford have in total raised £9667.05
for us, their charity of the year
for 2012.
Looking forward to a day of Golf
Lindsay Birkett receiving the cheque for the
monies raised at the Golf day and the Great
South Run
Debbie Sinclair Corporate Manager
from the company said “It has been
a real pleasure raising money for
GBSS and hopefully helping to raise
the profile of this important charity
locally. We hope that the money
raised will make a big difference. We
chose GBSS as our Charity of the
Year to help support the tremendous
efforts that our colleague Lindsay
Birkett has made to raise money for
the charity since the death of her first
born – Rosie – by the infection shortly
after her birth.”
Chloe died of Group B Strep, which is
a bacterium carried by a quarter of all
women, and the UK is one of the few
countries where women are not tested
for GBS. A simple, cheap test would have
saved her life. The charity aims at raising
awareness and pressing the government
and medical board to start testing for
GBS, as well as obviously giving huge
support to the families who lose a child.”
Tom decided to run the Paris
Marathon and was soon joined by
some incredible people who trekked
around the French Capital on the
15 April., including Ben Armstrong,
Big Tommy, Little Tom, David Day,
Stefan, James Woodley, James Lawless,
Craig Johnstone, Lee Cordingley,
Billy Dixon, Des Conway, Andy Hill,
Andy Walton, Mark Dixon, Andrew
West, Safraz Zavahir, Ed Atkins, Jonny
Clemence, Richard Hough, Matty
Thomas,Tony Atkins.
Tom and his friends all completed
the marathon and together they
raised an astounding £28,066.53
Huge thanks to Tom and all his
friends.
Finished and emotional L to R: Tom Ungi,
David Day, Andy Walton, Tommy Ungi
Victoria Stubbs, Bupa London 10k 27 May
Victoria said, “I did the Bupa London
10K at the end of May. Given how
unfit I was at the end of March
(and to be fair still am), the race
went well even though the day was
really hot. I did the race in one hour,
twenty-five minutes, which wasn’t fast,
but I finished it and in under ninety
minutes, which was my goal.”
It was a great race because it
started and finished on The Mall
and they were preparing for the
Jubilee celebrations. “And I can now
say I ran in a race with Mo Farah, the
Olympic champion!.”
hours in hospital we were told she was
“shutting down.” But thanks to the
amazing treatment from NHS Direct,
the local ambulance service, A&E and
the High Dependency Unit in the
Royal Berkshire Hospital, she is fine.
My little girl is now three and a half,
she never stops talking or moving or
bouncing or questioning or challenging.
Victoria says she is really glad she
ran for Group B Strep Support,
“It was a lot easier raising money
for something I believe in and have
been personally affected by.”
Victoria’s daughter was admitted
to hospital with late onset Group
B Strep when she was twenty
one days old. “In some ways
we were very lucky; it was in her
lymph nodes, which swelled up
and started to block her wind pipe,
we noticed the funny breathing,
rang NHS Direct, who rang for an
ambulance straight away.
“We were very lucky in a way that
the symptoms caused something so
obvious, and we could start treatment
quickly. This meant there was no
Meningitis. During the first twelve
“It was important for me to support
Group B Strep Support to help other
parents avoid what we went through.”
Vicky managed to raise £732.50 for
the charity.
24
Kayla Henry Great Mini North Run 15 September
Rachel Bowyer Virgin London Marathon 22 April
Six year old Kayla Henry took
part in the Great Mini North
Run to help raise funds for GBSS.
The course was 1.5km around
Newcastle and Gateshead
Quayside. Kayla’s older sister Ellie
was born six weeks premature
and at two weeks old as a result
of GBS contracted neonatal
Meningitis. Thankfully Ellie survived
but is registered blind and has
severe epilepsy and has cerebral
palsy affecting all four limbs.
Rachel contacted GBSS to see if there were any spaces for the London
Marathon as she would like to run it to raise funds for the charity. It just
so happened that 2012 was the year GBSS had been given a free charity
place. “We were thrilled that Rachel was happy to take on the challenge.”
Kayla’s mum Tracey said “Kayla
wanted to do something to stop
Ellie being poorly, I said we couldn’t
do that, but this will help stop
other people getting poorly” Kayla’s
absolutely amazing she would do
anything for her big sister, she’s like
her other carer.”
On the day of the race the
weather was warm and sunny
Rachel said “I had never heard of Group B Strep infection until it was too late
for Dylan.
Learning that GBS infections can be prevented was a tough one for me to
find peace with. Training for this marathon helped channel some of those ‘dark
demons’ into positive energy.
“It was always a long standing ambition to run a marathon but never quite
the courage or drive to do it. Losing Dylan changed that.
“The short time we shared together was like beautiful, precious dream that
faded. Gone but not forgotten. A part of my heart died with him that day...
but he gave me strength and courage to see beyond the pain, hurt and anger
and in time, helped me feel complete to follow my dreams again.”
Kayla, Ellie and Sarah before the race
Kayla and Ellie’s carer Sarah
Preston who was running with
Kayla as her accompanying adult
took to the start line after a fun
warm up.
Nick Lewis Canal Walking Challenge 20 October
“My Little girl Ava was born 9 weeks early, she is one of a twin.
“At 3 weeks old she contracted Group B Strep Meningitis with severe
septicaemia. We were told by Doctors to have her christened as she was going
to die.
“I’m very proud that we have raised to date £5492.02 for Group B Strep
Support. It was an immense day on top of a long week of anticipation waiting.
“It feels good to have achieved it. I completed the marathon in 4 hours 37
minutes – at times it was mentally really tough but I managed to get it back
together and actually enjoyed the last 8 miles back down to the Mall.
“It was an extraordinary and truly memorable experience – and thank you
for honouring me with your place to run; it’s the least I feel I can do to help
support the charity that has supported me and continues to work hard to
raise awareness for Group B Strep Infection that lead to Dylan’s sudden and
tragic death, and if one little life is saved through awareness, then Dylan’s
death will not have been in vain.”
“My little girl fought for her life and with the wonderful care of doctors and
nurses at St Michaels Hospital in Bristol and Frenchay Hospital Bristol, she
survived.”
Ava has undergone numerous
operations including having part
of her intestine removed due to
contracting NEC (a life threatening
bowel condition) as well as
numerous skin grafts due to the
effects of septicaemia. She has had
to have numerous operations on
her legs to allow her to walk.
Sunci Pedrosa Coffee
morning 12 February
All this before she was 2 years old.
Ava is now a happy 3 year old
who just gets on with life, she is
naughty, cheeky, “But most of all she
is my beautiful little girl.”
On the 20th October, Nick set off to walk 87 miles along the Kennet
and Avon canal from Reading to Bristol and then 16 miles along the
Gloucester/Sharpness canal in four days to raise money for GBSS and the
Meningitis Trust.
Nick completed his challenge and raised a fantastic amount of money for
both charities including £545.50 for GBSS.
Sunci (centre with yellow tabard) and her
friends.
Sunci held her third annual coffee
morning for GBSS, she invited
lots of friends to come along
enjoy the day. Sunci made sure
that there was plenty of GBSS
information leaflets available
for her friends to pass to their
friends and help with spreading
the GBS word and raising
awareness.
Everyone had a great time and
£50 was raised for the charity.
Newsletter Contributions
We like to include items from readers of our
newsletter. Please mark any items you wish to
be included in the newsletter ‘For Publication’ for
the attention of The Editor, GBSS News at our
office address. Please note that we reserve the
right to make changes to the text submitted.
The newsletter is sent to charity members, plus
relevant medical organisations, other charities,
media contacts and other selected individuals
and organisations.
Contact Us
If you would like to get more involved with the charity’s activities, then the following are the people to contact in the first instance:
Jane Plumb MBE, at jplumb@gbss.org.uk re medical and parliamentary issues
Sarah Fiedosiuk, at sfiedosiuk@gbss.org.uk re media and awareness raising
Marie Rothwell, at mrothwell@gbss.org.uk re fundraising and for information materials
Celia Sykes, at csykes@gbss.org.uk re conferences and seminars, advertising and membership matters, including Standing
Orders and Gift Aid
Jane Grout, at jgrout@gbss.org.uk re accounting and trust fundraising
25
Baby Congratulations
Oxley Fortescue, Natasha & Jack
Bradshaw, Hayley & Scott
A daughter, Ida, on 16 August 2011. A
sister to Arthur who has recovered
from the GBS infection he had at birth
in September 2007. Mother and baby
are fine.
A son, George Arthur, on 9th
September 2011. A brother to Alfie
and Mollie. Alfie has recovered from
the GBS infection he had just after
birth in October 2006. Both Mollie &
George were fine following Mum having
antibiotics during labour.
Edwards, Fran & Paul
A daughter, Phoebe on 5 June 2012,
a sister to Lois who suffered a GBS
infection at birth but has thankfully
recovered well. Fran was given
antibiotics in labour and Mother and
baby are doing fine.
Charlesworth, Sophie &
Reynolds, James
Campbell, Sarah & Adam
A daughter, Anaylece, on 23 July 2012.
A sister to Jake and Owen. Jake died
from GBS just 15 hours after his birth in
April 2011. Mother and baby are fine.
A son, Scott, on 25 January 2012. A
brother to Lorna and Ewan. Ewan sadly
died from GBS infection shortly after his
birth in December 2008. Mother and
baby are fine.
Ilott, Sarah & Rob
Plant, Jenny & Adam
Duffy, Roseanne & Anthony
A daughter, Ziva Caitlin Sue born on
4 January 2012. A sister to Zach and
Lewis. Zach sadly died aged 10 days in
January 2008 from GBS infection. Ziva
is now a happy healthy one year old.
A son, Ted, on 30 September 2012. A
brother to Izzy who has fully recovered
from her GBS infection after birth in
December 2010, Mother and baby are
fine.
A daughter, Kara, on 1 April 2011. A
sister to Katie Rose who has recovered
from the GBS infection she developed
shortly after birth in August 2007.
Mother and baby are fine.
McClafferty, Sinéad & Caoimhín
Pawley, Kealy & Kyle
Boyd, Jillian & Andy
Milock, Emma & Dan
A daughter, Ellen Mary-Kate, born on 14
September 2011. Welcomed home by
her very excited brothers, Finn & Oisín,
and sister Annie. Her oldest brother Finn,
pictured holding Ellen on his knee, made
a full recovery from the GBS infection he
had after his birth in October 2006.
A daughter Ellissiya Bella Faith on 28
December 2012, a sister to Izzybella,
Kodey and Kaiden. Izzybella sadly died
at 2 weeks old on 31st December 2011
from GBS infection. Mother and baby are
doing fine.
A daughter, Clara, on 14 August 2012. A
sister to Erin who was stillborn from GBS
infection in March 2011. Mother and
baby are fine.
A daughter, Annie on 7 February 2013.
A sister to Isla and Gene. Isla sadly died
aged 5 days as a result of GBS infection
in December 2008 Mother and baby
are fine.
Robertson, Hazel and Coutts, Tommy
A daughter, Rachel Amy, on 11 November 2012. A sister for Alice Heidi.
Mum, who was identified as carrying GBS during her pregnancy, and baby
are fine.
We are always delighted to hear news of the safe arrival of
babies, particularly when the risk of GBS infection is heightened.
Our thanks to those families who are happy for us to share their
lovely news.
26
Research Papers
During 2012, many thousands of research papers were published. Quite a few
were on group B Strep – below are some highlights. You can find more listed on
our website at www.gbss.org.uk/research, including links to more information.
UK Papers
International Papers:
Pyogenic and non-pyogenic streptococcal
bacteraemia, England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
2011 Health Protection Report [serial online] 2012;
6(46): Bacteraemia
This paper presents data on the reported incidence
of Streptococcal infections, including group B Strep, in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2011.
Please bear in mind that in most of the countries
where the following research was carried out, antenatal
screening for group B Strep using ‘gold standard’
methods is standard practice.
Raising Awareness of Group B Strep. Hunt L. RCM
Midwives. Aug 2012.
This article outlines why it’s more important than ever
to inform expectant mothers of the risks of group
B Strep against the background of rising numbers of
babies affected by group B Strep.
Antenatal screening for group B streptococcus.
Senior K. Lancet Infect Dis. 2012 Aug;12(8):589-90.
This article highlights the support for antenatal
screening for group B Streptococcus amongst a range
of medical professionals.
Feasibility of using microbiology diagnostic tests of
moderate or high complexity at the point - of - care
in a delivery suite. Gray JW, Milner PJ, Edwards
EH, Daniels JP, Khan KS. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012
Jul;32(5):458-60.
Study which suggests that the implementation of more
complex point of care testing is technically feasible, but
it is expensive, and may be difficult to achieve in a busy
delivery suite.
Early onset group B streptococcus sepsis: guidelines
review. Martin A,Vergnano S, Heath P, Anthony M,
Kennea N, Watts T, Embleton N, Collinson A. Journal
of Infection Prevention. May 2012 vol. 13 no. 3 75-78.
Article which reviewed 14 units’ guidelines, finding
substantial variation in recommendations within and
between units on indications for antibiotics given in
labour and treatment of babies without symptoms,
and discrepancies between obstetric and neonatal
guidelines, potentially increasing infants’ risk of infection.
Streptococcus B in pregnancy: to screen or not to
screen? GBSS Medical Panel. BMJ April 2012.
A letter correcting false statements and
misrepresentations which appeared in an article in the
BMJ,
Group B streptococcal disease in infants aged
younger than 3 months: systematic review and metaanalysis. Karen M Edmond, Christina Kortsalioudaki,
Susana Scott, Stephanie J Schrag, Anita K M Zaidi,
Simon Cousens, Paul T Heath. 2012 Jan. The Lancet.
Review article which aimed to examine the current
global burden of invasive group B Strep disease and the
distribution of group B strep serotypes.
Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention
of perinatal group B streptococcal disease: Experience
in the United States and implications for a potential
group B streptococcal vaccine. Schrag SJ,Verani JR.
Vaccine. 2012 Dec 3. pii: S0264-410X(12)01697-0.
Study reporting that the effectiveness of intrapartum
antibiotics in labour is similar and high among term
(91%) and preterm (86%) infants when first line
therapy is received for at least 4h. The authors state
that the US experience demonstrates that universal
screening and intrapartum antibiotics in labour for
GBS-colonized women comprise a highly effective
strategy against early-onset GBS infections. Maximizing
adherence to recommended practices holds promise
to further reduce the burden of early-onset GBS
disease.Yet there are also inherent limitations to
universal screening and IAP. Some of these could
potentially be addressed by an efficacious maternal
GBS vaccine
Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in
Subsequent Pregnancies of Group B StreptococcusColonized versus Noncolonized Women. PageRamsey SM, Johnstone SK, Kim D, Ramsey PS. Am J
Perinatol. 2012 Sep 21.
Study finding the GBS colonization rate in the first
pregnancy studied was 20%. Colonization rate in
subsequent pregnancies for initially GBS-colonized
women was 42% compared with 19% for women who
were not colonized with GBS in the initial pregnancy.
Improving perinatal Group B streptococcus screening
with process indicators. Albouy-Llaty M, Nadeau
C, Descombes E, Pierre F, Migeot V. J Eval Clin
Pract. 2012 Aug;18(4):727-33. doi: 10.1111/j.13652753.2011.01658.x. Epub 2011 Mar 18.
Group B streptococcus (GBS) neonatal infection
can be prevented by screening pregnant women for
GBS colonization from the 34th to the 38th week of
gestation, as has been recommended in France since
2001. This article assessed guideline adherence among
midwives and obstetricians.
Long-term Outcomes of Group B Streptococcal
Meningitis. Libster R, Edwards KM, Levent F, Edwards
MS, Rench MA, Castagnini LA, Cooper T, Sparks RC,
Baker CJ, Shah PE. Pediatrics. 2012 Jul;130(1):e8-e15.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of
meningitis in young infants. Survivors of GBS meningitis
continue to have substantial long-term morbidity,
highlighting the need for ongoing developmental
follow-up and prevention strategies such as maternal
immunization.
Prevention of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal
Infection. Spanish Recommendations. Update 2012.
SEIMC/SEGO/SEN/SEQ/SEMFYC Consensus
Document. Alós Cortés JI, Andreu Domingo A,
Arribas Mir L, Cabero Roura L, de Cueto López M,
López Sastre J, Melchor Marcos JC, Puertas Prieto A,
de la Rosa Fraile M,Salcedo Abizanda S, Sánchez Luna
M, Sanchez Pérez MJ, Torrejon Cardoso R. Enferm
Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2012 Jun 1.
Spain updates their 2003 guidelines for preventing
GBS infection in newborn babies. They continue to
recommend antenatal screening for all women.
Bacteruria with group-B streptococcus: is it a risk
factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes? Kessous R,
Weintraub AY, Sergienko R, Lazer T, Press F, Wiznitzer
A, Sheiner E. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012 Apr 25.
Study showing a significant association between GBS
found in the urine during pregnancy and adverse
obstetrical outcomes. In addition a linear association
was found between GBS culture location and obstetric
complications.
Recolonization of group B Streptococcus (GBS)
in women with prior GBS genital colonization in
pregnancy. Tam T, Bilinski E, Lombard E. J Matern Fetal
Neonatal Med. 2012 Apr 2.
This suggests that women with a history of GBS
colonization are at a significantly higher risk of GBS
recolonization in subsequent pregnancies.
Early onset neonatal sepsis: the burden of group
B Streptococcal and E. coli disease continues. Stoll
BJ, Hansen NI, Sánchez PJ, Faix RG, Poindexter BB,
Van Meurs KP, Bizzarro MJ, Goldberg RN, Frantz
ID 3rd, Hale EC, Shankaran S, Kennedy K, Carlo
WA, Watterberg KL, Bell EF, Walsh MC, Schibler K,
Laptook AR, Shane AL, Schrag SJ, Das A, Higgins RD;
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development Neonatal Research
Network. Pediatrics. 2011 May;127(5):817-26. Epub
2011 Apr 25.
This paper finds that in the era of intrapartum
chemoprophylaxis to reduce GBS, rates of early onset
infection have declined but reflect a continued burden
of disease. GBS remains the most frequent pathogen
in term infants, and E coli the most significant pathogen
in preterm infants. Missed opportunities for GBS
prevention continue.
Prevention of group B streptococcal neonatal disease
revisited. The DEVANI European project. RodriguezGranger J, Alvargonzalez JC, Berardi A, Berner R,
Kunze M, Hufnagel M, Melin P, Decheva A, Orefici G,
Poyart C, Telford J, Efstratiou A, Killian M, Krizova P,
Baldassarri L, Spellerberg B, Puertas A, Rosa-Fraile M.
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2012 Feb 8.
This paper presents the current knowledge on
the prevention of group B streptococcus (GBS)
neonatal infections and the status of prevention
policies in European countries and to present
the DEVANI pan-European program, which was
launched in 2008. It states that, “Most European
countries have implemented policies to prevent GBS
neonatal infections and the burden of the disease has
decreased during the last several years. Nevertheless,
further steps are necessary in order to develop new
strategies of prevention, to improve microbiological
techniques to detect GBS colonization and infection,
and to coordinate the prevention policies in the EU.”
Unfortunately the burden of GBS disease in the UK
hasn’t fallen in the last few years, unlike other European
countries – perhaps the fact that most of them offer
screening and ‘gold standard’ testing and we don’t has
something to do with it?
27
Christmas Cards, Gifts & Christmas Raffle 2012
Other generous donors included:
• Graze
• alphabetbags.com
• Abel & Cole
• The Spicery
• Cocoaloco
• higgidy.co.uk
• gupuds.com
• Johnsons Cleaners
• Barrett & Coe Photography
• Leon
• London Premier walking tours
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
COOK
Fun Pots
Redspottedhanky.com
Passion Savon
Tesco
Yorkshire Tea
Ella’s Kitchen
Bio Tech
Johnson dry cleaning
Passion Savon
Delta force paintballing
Our thanks to Anne Hughes and Olie Plumb who successfully secured so
many of the prizes for us.
Jane Plumb holding the gorgeous prize donated by Absolute Pearls
Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2012
Christmas Raffle and a massive thank you to all the
wonderful individuals and organisations who so
generously provided prizes for this event.
A special thank you to:
• Tastecard for their discount card (worth over £70)
• Absolute Pearls for the gorgeous white pearl necklace and earring
gift set
• Hall & Woodhouse for a £50 voucher
Big thanks to all who bought Christmas cards and other items from our
shop. We were thrilled and delighted that our new cards were so popular.
They are a great way of not only raising funds for GBSS but also raising
awareness among the people you send cards to. You’ll be pleased to know
that we raised almost £10,000 from the 2012 Christmas Draw and our
shop sales combined, which is fantastic.
Special thanks go to our top raffle ticket sellers in 2012:
• Jackie Scott
• Jon & Caroline Constable
• Ifeanyichukwu Okike
• Sarah Ilott
And a big thank to you supporter Deborah Hollywood who stocked our
Christmas cards in her shop, The Mint House, in Hurstpierpoint, West
Sussex in the run up to Christmas 2012 and sold loads.
GBSS Shop
In November we
updated and upgraded
our website and
online shop. Do pay
a visit: there is a
new line of wedding
favours which make a
lovely addition to any
formal table.
You can also make a donation via the shop. Visit www.gbss.org.uk/onlineshop
28
How you can help –
campaign with us
health care professionals
that come in contact with
pregnant women need to
be educated about GBS so
that the information can
be passed on to pregnant
women so that they can
make a choice whether
they pay for the test.”
We try to raise the issue of better
awareness and prevention of group B
Strep infection in newborn babies with
MPs wherever possible. And to do this,
we need your help!
Our Objectives
Group B Strep
Support (GBSS) is a
UK charity, founded
in 1996. Our three
main aims are to:
• Offer information
and support to
families affected
by GBS;
You can raise the issue by meeting
with your local MP or writing to them
about it. Don’t be shy of contacting
or meeting your MP. Go armed with
a brief agenda of the things you want
to cover. You can visit our website at
www.gbss.org.uk/MP which tells
you how to find out who your MP is
and how to get in touch.
Supporter Justine Baker met Deputy
Prime Minister Nick Clegg when he
went to Taunton
“I asked him as a parent of 3 young boys
whether he had ever heard of GBS. He
hadn’t and was interested to hear about
the infection. He was surprised how
many newborn babies it affects and how
many sadly die from the infection. It was
good to make him aware of GBS and I
told him we need to make sure that all
Many supporters did
contact their MPs
during 2012, with some
spectacular results.
Lots of questions
about group B Strep were asked by
parliamentarians, many letters were
written to the relevant ministers and
EDMs were tabled.
Early Day Motions
Early Day Motions (EDMs) are formal
motions submitted by MPs in the
House of Commons and are one way
in which backbench MPs can record
their support for particular issues
or campaigns. The most successful
motions give rise to debates in
Parliament, changes in Government
policy and changes in law.
In 2012 MPs Mark Durkan, Mike
Hancock and Grahame Morris have
each tabled EDMs – please ask your
MP to sign all of these EDMs – you
can find them on our website at
www.gbss.org.uk/EDM .
If you don’t know who your local MP
is or how to contact them, visit www.
findyourmp.parliament.uk/ or call
the House of Commons information
line on 020 7219 4272
E-Petition
2012 petition – 16,074 people added
their voice to our petition, which called
for every woman to be routinely given
accurate information about group
B Strep during her antenatal care;
every low-risk woman to be offered a
sensitive test for GBS, ideally at 35-37
weeks of pregnancy; and every higherrisk woman to be offered antibiotics
in labour. The petition closed on 15
August 2012 and we are still awaiting
a response from the Department of
Health. If they do respond, we’ll share
links to their response as soon as we
can although their response should
appear at www.epetitions.direct.
gov.uk/petitions/4854. Our thanks
go to the many supporters who signed
the petition and shared it with friends,
family and colleagues – thank you one
and all.
New petition – A new petition, ending
on 31 December 2013 was created
by Sarah Chapman, asking that women
should be routinely offered testing for
group B Strep in every pregnancy.
Signing this petition is a significant
way to show that the campaign for
women to be informed about group B
Strep and offered sensitive testing as a
routine part of their antenatal care is
gaining widespread support. Go online
to sign it at www.epetitions.direct.
gov.uk/petitions/43712 and please
ask other to do so too.
• Inform health
professionals
and individuals
how most GBS
infections in
newborn babies
can be prevented;
• Generate
continued support
for research into
preventing
GBS infections.
Preventing GBS infection in newborn babies
PO Box 203, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RHI6 IGF
Tel/answerphone: 01444 416176
E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk
www.gbss.org.uk
GBSS news is edited and published from the above address
Regd charity No: 1112065 Regd in England No: 5587535