GBSS Donations page - L \\\'Etape du Tour

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. GBS infections affect around 700 babies each year in the UK, of whom sadly 75 die and another 40 suffer long-term problems as a result. And yet most of these infections could be prevented.

Group B Strep Support , a UK charity, was founded in 1996 and:

• Offers information and support to pregnant women and families affected by GBS
• Informs health professionals and individuals how most GBS infections in newborn babies can be prevented and
• Generates continued support for research into preventing GBS infections.

Information materials are available from www.gbss.org.uk. Hard copies are available from Group B Strep Support - contact here or info@gbss.org.uk, phone 01444 416176 or fax 0870 803 0024.

No charge is made for information materials but Group B Strep Support relies on donations to continue its valuable work.

My Target: £ Enough to make a difference

Total raised to date: £260

Personal message

This summer I'm taking part in a cycling event called L'Etape du Tour. L'Etape is run over the same course as stage 20 of this year's Tour de France and is 175km long with a mountain-top finish at the summit of Mont Ventoux in Provence. I'm a keen cyclist but, living in Norfolk, I'm going to find it hard to prepare for the 3000 metres of climbing that are in store on L'Etape!

Why am I doing it? My life has been affected by GBS; our second son, Max, suffered from early onset GBS infection which very nearly cost him his life. We were very lucky to have the support of great people at the Norfolk and Norwich University hospital, the Children's Acute Transport Service (CATS) from Great Ormond Street and their NICU unit too, not forgetting the crew of an RAF helicopter to get Max and my wife Nicky from Norwich to London. Max is fine now, full of beans and nearly four years old.

Terrifying times for a condition that we could have known about and could have pre-empted had we known anything at all. Knowledge of GBS is essential for all expectant mothers and testing should be routine.  I'm supporting GBSS in their continuing push to make this a reality. Please support my ride, thanks!

Sincere thanks ... Paul

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