Jess told us “The work that Group B Strep does is absolutely amazing and every penny we have raised up to now has been worth the pain in which marathon training has brought! My husband is already planning his next event to ensure we continue to raise vital funds and awareness of the infection.
I have already had a close friend ask to be tested for Strep B, which came back positive – meaning she was able to be monitored and receive the antibiotics which she needed whilst in labour. Both mum and baby were fine and are doing really well. Everyone who we speak to about the infection have been very open to the topic of Strep B and have all felt empowered enough to have the conversation with their midwife . This also applies to those who are not expecting, who have happily said that they will share the information with others to raise awareness – but also are more aware of the signs of meningitis and sepsis which can affect so many individuals.
I know both Matt and myself have found this training block for the marathon quite intense, after I was recently diagnosed with PTSD due to finding it hard to cope after my daughter Hettie’s struggle with the Strep B infection. Also finding it hard to accept that I too had developed sepsis due to the infection but was fortunate to receive the antibiotics I needed in time to prevent any further complications.
Although not one for over sharing personal details, I feel being open and honest about how this has affected my family and I, can hopefully encourage more people to seek any help should they feel they need it. But also that talking openly about the effects of Strep B for families, will mean that more conversations with health professionals around this infection are had.
The support from family, friends and work colleagues to raise the funds for the marathon which we have just completed has been unreal. We thank each and every person who shared and donated from the bottom of our hearts. Marathon training whilst working full time, dealing with mental health battles and being parents is definitely not for the faint hearted. But if doing so saves even just one family from the heartache which this infection causes, it has been and will always be so very worth it.”
If you would like to show your support for Matt and Jess you can do so by visiting their JustGiving page, which so far has raised an incredible £1,220 https://www.justgiving.com/page/matt-jess-gbs-support
