A Bromley woman, who tragically lost her newborn nephew 18 years ago, has been appointed chair of a national baby charity.

Susan Gregory, who lives with her husband in Bromley, has become the new chairwoman of Group B Strep Support, which works to prevent life-threatening infections in babies.

Mrs Gregory’s nephew died of a Group B Streptococcus infection when he was just a few hours old.

She has dedicated hours of her time and resources to help raise awareness of the preventable condition in babies.

Group B Streptococcus is the UK’s most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborns and the most common cause of meningitis in a baby’s first three months.

Approximately 500 babies in the UK develop GBS infection each year, of whom 50 die and another 30 suffer life-long physical and mental disabilities.

The charity wants the NHS to offer pregnant women universal screenings for the bacteria.

Mrs Gregory, who works at business adviser Grant Thornton when she is not carrying out her charity work, said she was honoured to be appointed chair.

“The introduction, as is the case in all other western countries, of universal screening holds the key to seeing a dramatic reduction in group B Strep infections in newborns,” she said.

“I am determined to help facilitate that and accelerate the charity’s efforts in creating awareness and seeing change in any way that I can.

“No family should have to suffer the preventable illness and death of a baby.”