Thousands of people took part in the London Marathon at the weekend, including one woman from the Lizard who participated to raise funds for a charity close to her heart. 

Artist Hayley White, 43 ran a total of 26.2 miles to raise money for the Group B Strep Support charity in memory of Ezrah Pollard who sadly passed away from Group B strep at just 19 days old.

After Ezrah’s death, his parents Sarah and Craig found the strength to launch a campaign and raise awareness of the infection.

Falmouth Packet: Sarah Doolin and Craig Pollard with baby Ezrah, who died after a Strep B infection

So far, the couple have raised in excess of £63,000 in Ezrah’s legacy for the charities who helped them through a very dark time.

Hayley also experienced the impact of Group B Strep B herself when her son Jay was diagnosed with the condition shortly after his birth in 2010.

Fortunately, Jay survived the infection after treatment but testing during pregnancy would have prevented him from becoming poorly at all as antibiotics could then have been offered during labour. 

Falmouth Packet: Hayley's son Jay was diagnosed with suspected Group B Strep shortly after his birth in 2010 Hayley's son Jay was diagnosed with suspected Group B Strep shortly after his birth in 2010 (Image: Supplied)

“As a mum of five and having nearly lost my own son Jay (who contracted sepsis due to a suspected Strep B infection shortly after his birth in 2010) Ezrah’s passing left me and our community reeling, unable to bear such a devastating loss for his lovely family.

READ MORE: 48 hours that changed her life: Mum shares warning signs two years after baby's death

“Ezrah’s aunt Sam is one of my best friends, and it was just unthinkable that they had to somehow navigate this grief.”

Falmouth Packet: Hayley running past one of London's most iconic landmarks, Big Ben Hayley running past one of London's most iconic landmarks, Big Ben (Image: Supplied)

Hayley knew she wanted to help, so she approached Group B Strep Support and applied to run in the London Marathon.

On her JustGiving Page, Hayley explained that she needed to raise £2,500 and said she would be “eternally grateful” for any help. The total now stands at £5,185 with donations continuing to come in.

You can see her JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/page/hayley-andrews-1685453034216

With fundraising for her big run-in mind, Hayley held a charity auction at Lizard Football Club in March with the help of locals, friends and a Bev Huxstep who Hayley described as her “absolute rock”.

Although a Londoner by birth, and with family still living there, Hayley said she had “desperately” wanted to run the marathon for a number of years.

So, on Sunday, April 21 Hayley was among thousands of people wanting to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charities.  

“On Sunday, I found myself on the start line in Greenwich Park, hideously undertrained and wearing an illuminated tutu,” said Hayley.

Falmouth Packet: Hayley said the support from her husband, friends, family and people in the crowd got her through the marathon Hayley said the support from her husband, friends, family and people in the crowd got her through the marathon (Image: Supplied)

“It was all a bit surreal but one of the most memorable, gruelling, and emotional experiences of my life.

“26.2 miles is a ridiculous distance but I somehow managed to run it, with only minor blisters and some rather attractive swelling of my hands, feet, and legs to complain about.

“I knew I had to do it for Ezzy, so quitting was not an option and keeping his lovely little face in the forefront of my mind kept me going.”

READ MORE: Dad and friends to walk four marathons back to back in memory of baby son

Throughout her run, Hayley was supported by her husband, cousins, auntie and friends dotted along the course to cheer her on but explained that even without them she felt the immense support from the crowds from start to finish.

Hayley said: “It’s literally the best vibe, and if you’re considering signing up, don’t hesitate – just go for it! Let's face it, if I can do it, anyone can!”

Ezrah Pollard’s parents, Sarah and Craig, continue to be overwhelmed with the support they’ve received. Sarah said: "Hayley did such an amazing job in both running the marathon and fundraising - what a tribute! We’re so grateful to her for choosing to remember Ezrah and raise awareness of GBS.

"The community around us has just been so supportive in helping to shape Ezrah’s Legacy; we’re forever thankful.”

Symptoms of Group B Strep*

Sarah has been sharing the warning signs of Strep B with others. 

Early-onset GBS infection usually presents as sepsis with pneumonia and develops in the first 6 days of life.

Late-onset GBS infection usually presents as sepsis with meningitis and can develop from 7 days of age to 90 days of age. 

Typical signs to look out for include:

  • Grunting, noisy breathing, moaning, seems to be working hard to breathe when you look at the chest or tummy, or not breathing at all.
  • Being very sleepy and/or unresponsive.
  • Inconsolable crying.
  • Being unusually floppy.
  • Not feeding well or not keeping milk down
  • Having a high or low temperature (if parents have a thermometer), and/or being hot or cold to the touch.
  • Having changes in their skin colour (including blotchy skin).
  • Having an abnormally fast or slow heart rate or breathing rate.
  • Tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on babies’ heads)

Further information on Group B Strep, including testing, can be found at https://gbss.org.uk/.