Jane Plumb is shortlisted for UK ‘Mum of the Year’ award

Jane’s story was selected from amongst thousands of nominations sent in from all over the UK. She founded a charity in 1996 called Group B Strep Support (GBSS), after her son, Theo, died from the infection, which mothers can pass on to newborns during birth.

At the time, there was very little information about what Group B Strep was, or how it should be treated; despite being easily preventable if detected.

Since her son’s death, Jane has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and improve medical practice around group B Strep in the UK.

Jane’s efforts, along with those of others involved with the charity, led to the first national guidelines being published on GBS in 2003, and a public consultation on screening for GBS in 2012. Jane continues to campaign for screening on the NHS.

Her charity recently won an award for the way it helps and encourages volunteers. See our story on page 14.