When Laura was pregnant with her first baby, she had never heard for Group B strep. It wasn't until a friend mentioned it to her, and how it can affect pregnant women and their babies, that she became aware of it. It wasn't something that her midwife had ever talked about. It turns out that women are not routinely tested for this. 

After doing some research she decided to get a test done. Laura mentioned it to her midwife who said that if she wanted a test done, then she would have to pay for it and do it herself, as it is not available on the NHS. To her suprise she tested positive for Group B Strep, which meant that she had to have antibiotics every 4 hours in labour to prevent it from being passed to her baby.

This was 15 years agao, and it is still not available on the NHS.

Group B Streptococcus is the UK's most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies & of meningitis in babies under age 3 months. Most of these infections are preventable. About 800 babies a year develop Greoup B strep infection in the UK. Approximately 70 die, and 50 recover with life-changing disabilities.

Group B Strep Support works to raise awareness, educate health professionals about group B Strep, and support families affected by the devastation caused by group B Strep infection.

Laura tested positive for Group B Strep in both of her pregnacies, but due to the antibiotics she had during labour, she now has two healthy boys.

This is so preventable. A test costs just £38. Please help us to raise money and awareness for Group B Strep. 

Laura and Kelly will be running the London Marathon and raising money for Group B Strep together. Anything you can donate to this cause will help to rasie awareness of this little known infection.

In 2018 Laura and Kelly started the C25K course and have gone on to run 2 half marathrons. This will be their longest ever run!

Thank you,x