Through Group B Strep, unwittingly passed from Charlotte to her daughter Aimee, the youngster faced a battle for survival and lives with profound disabilities. Here, Charlotte describes the horror of almost losing her baby, the challenges they face to-gether, and the urgent need for routine testing of all expectant mothers for Group B Strep. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking what can happen just because a simple swab test isn’t taken.” Charlotte’s words reflect the truly dreadful reality of the situation she and many other parents find themselves in due to the lack of routine testing for Group B Strep infection. For Charlotte, her daughter Aimee was given a five per cent chance of survival at only five days old, after the presence of Group B Strep was detected. Happily, Aimee defied the odds and is now a happy 11-year-old - although lives with a multitude of needs, which only become more distressing for devoted Charlotte by the day.