Steps against Strep

This March, 80 participants took on our first ever Facebook challenge and clocked up the miles by walking, running and jogging the distance of 62 miles.

We are pleased to announce that a fantastic total of £19,312.75 has been raised to date. Congratulations to everyone who took part and to your friends and family who supported you through this challenge.

Here are just some of the supporters who shared their stories with us.

Ruaridh showed signs of group B Strep infection after he was born. He stayed in hospital for 5 days of treatment. When his mum Chloe saw the 62 miles in March challenge on Facebook,Ruaridh said he wanted to do it ‘to save other babies’ lives’ - so thoughtful, especially at 6 years of age.

Ruaridh’s first walk was climbing up Stac Pollaidh. His longest walk was 10 miles, with no complaints. Ruaridh raised over £2,300. Rachel was excited to find the 62 miles in March Facebook challenge – Paisley was turning 2 in April 2021 and with COVID restrictions in place, she couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her birthday than to take part in this Facebook fundraiser.

Rachel told us “I’m pleased I have managed to get my family and friends talking and raising vital funds. Paisley and I look forward fundraising again in the future.”

Time you did something amazing?

Many of the usual fundraising events we rely on to fund our services have been cancelled, meaning your support is absolutely vital. There are so many ways you can support our work - you can set up your own fundraiser today and take on one of our challenges with your friends and family:

• Bake and sell to your neighbours and friends • Ask for donations to GBSS instead of birthday presents

For the more physically demanding challenges, you could even

• Take part in our next Facebook challenge • Run the Royal Parks Half Marathon on the 10th October 2021

Visit gbss.org.uk/events, choose your challenge, and set up a fundraising page.

Call us on 0330 120 0795 or e-mail fundraising@gbss.org.uk to get started with your fundraising, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so we can cheer you along the way.

Debbie raises £657 for her birthday in memory of Ada

“Our daughter Ada died from ascending GBS infection while I was in labour with her in August 2019. I decided to set up a birthday fundraiser due to the fact I couldn‘t host a party with my friends and family this year due to covid. I hoped friends would consider donating the cost of a couple of drinks they might have bought me to a charity close to my heart.

It was the easiest money I‘ve ever raised, and I was delighted to be able to give back just a little to Group B Strep Support.”

Baby Cole‘s story

Cole’s mum Carrie writes, “I found out that I carried group B Strep after suffering a bleed. I was given a sticker to put on my folder, and informed that in labour, I would have to have IV antibiotics. I felt shocked and ashamed. I thought GBS was a sexually transmitted infection.

However, I read the GBSS website and joined the Facebook group, making sure no one could see I had joined! I was shocked reading how dangerous it could be for newborn babies, how did I not know this?

If I had not had the bleed, I would never have been tested. My heart goes out to all parents that never received a test.”