A FATHER and daughter from Malpas have cycled the width of Great Britain to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

David and Nat Wilson have completed the coast-to-coast bike road from Morecambe to Bridlington, the Way of the Roses route, to raise money for Group B Strep Support after daughter Sally Williams lost her newborn daughter Elsie to the illness.

The route was around 170 miles and crossed over the Pennines, with the duo taking three days to complete the journey.

"Elsie was only with us for a very short time, however during that time we loved her dearly and she made our family complete," said Sally. "It brings us great sadness that our friends and family weren't able to meet our beautiful baby girl, but she will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.

"Elsie was cruelly taken from us as a result of contracting Group B Strep infection at birth.

"Group B Strep is the most common cause of severe infection in new-born babies and can cause sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.

"Unlike many other developed countries including Germany and Spain, the UK does not routinely offer tests to pregnant women specifically to check for Group B Strep during late pregnancy.

"If doctors know a mum is carrying GBS, they can administer simple antibiotics during labour to prevent the infection – more than 80 per cent of these infections could be prevented.

"There is also very little awareness of the deadly infection and its symptoms.

"Had we had awareness of GBS and some of the symptoms, Elsie could have had a chance of surviving and might still be here today.

"We don't want any other families to have suffer like we have and are supporting the GBS charity to raise awareness of this infection and attempt to increase testing for new and expectant mums."

It was hoped £2,000 could be raised for the journey, but that target was soundly beaten, with the fundraising total currently sitting just under £4,500.

After completing the journey David thanked those who provided support for the trip, as well as donating funds.

"On that first rain soaked, windswept day it would have been very easy to give up," said David. "But the encouragement you gave us was all we needed to keep us going.

"Secondly the comradery of other cyclists along the way, we met some inspirational people from a three-generation family to a group of older hockey players having their annual reunion.

"The friendly welcome of all the stops along the way was fantastic, going into little coffee shops soaking wet, help they gave us drying off and refuelling us was heart-warming.

"The total raised at the moment is £4,384 and I know our friends from Agden have another £400 to add to that.

"We are humbled by how much we raised and hopefully Jane at the Group B Strep can put it to good use get government to pass legislation for everyone to have this simple test."

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/david-natalie-windsor