Whilst I can’t bring back our beloved little Marcus, I want to make an impact and raise awareness of GBS. Therefore I've signed up for the 100K My Way July 2023 for Group B Strep Support. This 100K will be a way to challenge myself to step out everyday, regard the beautiful sights and sounds that summer has to offer as a personal gift from Marcus to help replace the feelings of grief with feelings of something that begins to resemble peace. 

Whatever you are able to donate, I would be hugely appreciative of as all proceeds will help GBS support continue to campaign for change, improve awareness and be there for the families who have been affected. 

This is the first time we've shared Marcus's story, but it's important to be aware of how quick GBS can be.  Our beautiful healthy Marcus was born 7lb 9oz at 39 weeks. After 9 days, Marcus became poorly though there were no obvious signs at first. After a big feed around midnight, he had an unusual high pitched cry but we managed to settle him back to sleep. Few hours later, I noticed he had rapid breathing that turned into grunts but continued to sleep soundly. I now know this is a sign of strep B. It was early morning that we noticed he was unresponsive, body was limp and cold. We rushed to A&E where he was immediately seen by NICU nurses, doctors and the critical care team who started fitting him with a cannula, giving him antibiotics and taking blood.

Marcus's condition spiraled downhill very quickly and within hours needed to be transferred to PICU at a different hospital for further care. It wasn't until then that a doctor on the critical care team asked me if I had tested for GBS. I said no and he explained that this could be what Marcus had.

After he was transferred, we had hope he would pull through but within the hour, Marcus suffered a severe brain injury due to swelling, and despite the tireless efforts to save him, we had to say goodbye as he took his final breaths in our arms. He was diagnosed with sepsis as a result of Group B Strep the next day. We are heartbroken that we have lost our little boy and our future with him. 

On average in the UK, at least-two babies a day develop a group B Strep infection - one baby a week dies from their GBS infection, and-one baby a week survives with long-term disabilities – physical, mental or both.Yet most group B Strep infections are preventable. Group B Strep Support informs families & health professionals about group B Strep to save tiny lives and provide support to affected families.