Mum’s appeal to run for Haywards Heath baby charity

Jane Plumb, the founder of Strep B Support charity based in Haywards Heath, is looking for others to join her in a 10km fundraising run - picture submitted

Haywards Heath based charity Group B Strep Support, which was set up by Jane Plumb, has 17 spaces available for the British 10k charity run on Sunday July 12.

Jane founded charity Group B Strep Support in 1996 shortly after the death of her second baby, Theo, from group B Strep infection aged 17 hours.

She was shocked by the lack of information on group B Strep infections for families and health professionals alike and decided to set up the charity, which is still the only UK charity dedicated to preventing preventable the infection in babies.

Jane said: “The lovely thing about the British 10k is that you don’t have to be a serious runner, though I have started training.

“It is taking part that is important, as well as raising much-needed funds and awareness at the same time

“Joining forces with other supporters of Group B Strep Support who are taking part will make it even more meaningful.”

Group B Strep Support campaigns for pregnant women to be informed about group B Strep as a routine part of their antenatal care and to be offered a group B Strep-specific test during the latter stages of their pregnancy.

It is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies causing pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis. Most cases are preventable, but in the UK, the number of babies infected is rising.

The run takes place in London passing through the heart of the capital and passing many of its historic landmarks.

To find out more about taking part in the 10k run spaces contact Group B Strep Support at [email protected], call 01444 416 176 or go to www.gbss.org.uk.

To support the GBSS team by donating go to www.justgiving.com/teams/British10kGBSS

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