Walk in memory of Grace

The daughter of Shauna and Stephen McGroarty, who now live in Australia, Grace died from the preventable infection which can be transmitted from mother to baby, in certain conditions, during labour.

This is the second year that her Aunties – Charlene Grimes, Cathy McClafftery and Karen McGroarty- have organised the walk to help remember Grace and to raise awareness of Group b Strep amongst local pregnant women.

Shauna’s sister Charlene Grimes said: “We never thought that we would be standing here today organising a walk to remember the short life of our beautiful little niece whose life was cut short from this terrible infection.

“Both Shauna and Stephen are adamant that Grace’s passing be put to good use in helping to raise awareness of Group b Strep amongst pregnant women.

“If you’re unable to take part in the walk, you can still make a donation - please log on to www.gbss.org.uk , click on their fundraising page and view ‘Sponsored Walk in Memory of Grace.’”

Cathy McClafftery, sister of Stephen McGroarty said: “Over the last number of weeks we have been contacted by numerous people who have been affected by this awful infection – including a lady who lost her baby in similar circumstances a number of years ago.

“Last year we raised over £4000 for the Group b Strep Support group who provide support to those affected by the infection.

“They also campaign vigorously to have routine swabbing for the bacteria introduced as part of a pregnant women’s antenatal care.”

This year’s walk will be held on Sunday, June 12 at 11am, departing from the Railway station.

Founder of the Group b Strep Support group charity, Jane Plumb said: “We are honoured that Grace’s parents Shauna and Stephen, and her extended family have chosen the Group b Strep Support group as their nominated charity.

“Their decision to remember little Grace in this manner will undoubtedly help to raise awareness of Group b Strep infection, not only in the North West but throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.

“Well done to Charlene, Cathy and Karen for organising the event on Shauna and Stephen’s behalf and we hope you have a wonderful day on Sunday. We hope through their efforts, other families will be spared the trauma GBS can bring.”

Grace’s parents Shauna and Stephen McGroarty are urging as many people to take part to both remember their daughter but to also raise more awareness of Group b Strep.

Shauna and Stephen said: “As a parent you do the utmost to protect the most precious thing to you. It is just so important that pregnant women are fully aware whether they are carriers of the bacteria, simply so that they can make their own informed decisions throughout the course of their pregnancy and labour.

“We know of so many women who have passed the infection on to their little ones – thankfully though none of them met the same fate as Grace. However, I know they suffered feelings of complete aguish at the thought of unknowingly passing on such an awful infection to their baby.”

The walk for Grace will take place on Sunday 12th June, leaving the Railway Station at 11am. Sponsorship forms are available by contacting Charlene Grimes on 07835509022/ Cathy McClafferty on 07590072901 or Karen McGroarty on 07754833465. A Facebook page – Sponsored Walk in Memory of Grace – has also been set up with full details.