Bethany was born to proud parents Matt and Becky and big brother Jacob on 22nd April 2010. Sadly after a brave fight, she passed away just 2 days later as a result of a Group B Strep infection. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. GBS infections affect around 700 babies each year in the UK, of whom sadly 75 die and another 40 suffer long-term problems as... a result. Most of these infections could be prevented if the NHS were to introduce a screening programme – a saving of heartbreak for families and an estimated annual net benefit of £37 million for the NHS. Countries with screening programmes have seen the incidence of GBS infection in babies fall by around 70% and we must help so that this happens here. This fundraiser is being organised in order to generate something positive out of the heartbreak experienced by Matt and Becky and their wider families. The aim is to join together to show our support and jointly raise money for the Group B Strep Support charity and to enable Matt and Becky to realise their dream of creating a memorial for Bethany. The Group B Strep Support Charity work tirelessly to raise money in order to raise awareness amongst pregnant women and to fight for the right of every pregnant woman in the UK to be screened prior to giving birth thus identifying mothers at risk and enabling them to be treated during labour so that their little ones are protected. EVENT DETAILS The 5K sponsored fundraiser will take place on 4th September 2010, 11am at Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham. If you're feeling energetic then you can run but this is something for all ages and abilities, so whether you walk, push a buggy or for the children ride a bike, it really doesn't matter as long as you complete the course and get as many people as possible to sponsor you. The race will start promptly at 11am and registration will be open from 10.15am. If you're unable to join in on the day, please show your support by sponsoring somebody you know. Bupa have already agreed to fund-match whatever we raise, so we're off to a great start already! HOW TO PARTICIPATE Register by sending an email to bethany5k@hotmail.co.uk Please include the following: - Name/s - Address - Contact telephone number - Date of Birth/s - How you plan to complete the course (run, walk, buggy push, ride bike)- children only on bikes please - T-shirt Size/s (S,M,L,XL or for children indicate their age) - if you require one (£10 each) Once your registration details have been received, you will be sent a sponsorship form via email. If you do not have access to a printer, please indicate and include your postal address so that a hard copy can be sent out to you. You can either raise money individually or as a family if there are multiple family members participating. This is an open event with no restrictions on who can take part - the more people that can get involved and show their support the better, so please feel free to invite anyone who may be interested. Please do not limit your invites to people on facebook. If you know of those who want to get involved who are not on facebook they can email the above address to register or alternatively contact Lynette Hall on 07753 125720. PAYMENT The cost of entering the event will be £5 per person (no charge for under 3's). For families with more than 2 children over 3 years of age there will be a maximum family charge of £20. It is also the plan to have a picnic together afterwards. Picnic snack bags (excluding sandwiches) will be available for purchase for £2 per person with all proceeds going towards the cause. More details will follow at a later date with the exact contents as we are hoping to have some donated items from various sources in return for giving them publicity. If you would like a snack bag, please indicate the required number when you register. Payment both for entrance to the event and snack bags to be made by SATURDAY 21st AUGUST 2010 and made payable to: 'The Bethany Hawkins Memorial Fund' c/o 8 Pinewood Park New Haw Surrey KT15 3BS SPONSORSHIP MONEY After the event all sponsorship money should be sent to: The Bethany Hawkins Memorial Fund C/O 92 Owls Rd Verwood Dorset BH31 6HL DIRECTIONS For directions to Alice Holt please visit - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-72dg7l CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION - SATURDAY 21st AUGUST 2010