A FAMILY has urged expectant mothers to get checked for a little-known deadly disease which affects the lives of hundreds of babies each year.

Caroline Grove, 32, of Cedars Park, Stowmarket, lost her baby, Cayden, almost five years ago to Group B streptococcus (GBS) only 22 days after he was born.

The couple, who has two other children, Toby, three, and Megan, six, are campaigning for greater awareness of the disease, which can cause septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis.

Mrs Grove said Cayden had been a healthy baby boy when he first showed symptoms of GBS.

She said: “It’s not really that well known and many people who are planning for families do not know about it.

“It can be treated by antibiotics quite quickly. We are campaigning so more people know about the symptoms and then people would be more aware – we had no idea about it.

“Mothers need to read up about it and make themselves aware and get treatment if need be. Awareness and knowledge is key.

“Cayden was very cold and pale and he starting making a noise. It was so rapid, it was hours only and then he was on the ventilator.

“I never thought it could mean anything, I thought he was just being a baby.”

Cayden was born eight weeks premature and contracted GBS after 20 days.

He spent 48 hours in hospital where a team of doctors worked to save him before being taken off the life support machine.

Mrs Grove has urged mothers to buy a screening kit and see their GP if they have a positive result.

The Groves have organised a 1980s disco to raise money for the charity Group B Strep Support.

The event is on April 6, at Needham Market Community Centre, tickets are £20 each. For tickets call 01449 400046 or email totally80s@hotmail.co.uk