Evanton lad (8) steps out on 100km challenge to help Group B strep babies
A BIG-hearted Easter Ross lad is stepping out – again – for a cause very close to his heart.
Ruaridh Stirling (8) from Evanton has set himself the target of walking 100km in March to raise funds for Group B Strep Support (GBSS).
He completed a similar feat in 2021, motivated to help others at risk as he once had been.
He spent his first five days of life in the special care baby unit (SCBU) in hospital after he was born with Group B Strep after his mum, Chloe, contracted the infection during pregnancy.
Group B Streptococcus is the UK’s most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies.
Chloe was an unknown carrier during her pregnancy and, luckily for her, was tested, and offered antibiotics during labour. Ruaridh needed further treatment when he was born.
It wasn’t long before he showed an appetite for helping others facing a similar plight.
Ruaridh’s first walk was climbing up Stac Pollaidh and since then he hasn’t looked back.
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At the age of two he completed the Baxter’s 5k Festival of Running.
The GBSS charity’s goal is the eradication of avoidable group B Strep infection in babies, plus greater awareness and knowledge of group B Strep among new and expectant parents and their health professionals.
With great local and family support, Ruaridh has already surpassed his £1000 target midway through March, but will march on! The local Co-op branch in Invergordon chipped in and the young lad has inspired others to contribute as he raises awareness with every step along the way, often accompanied by his mum, dad Scott and brother Harry (4).
To learn more about GBSS visit https://gbss.org.uk/.
Find out more about his fundraiser at facebook.com/donate/998877517762733
