FAMILY and friends of a five-day-old baby who died earlier this year cycled more than 1,000 miles on the weekend in her memory and for charity.

Amber Lewis was just five-days-old when she died after contracting Group B Strep (GBS) at the University of Wales Hospital in January.

GBS is a type of bacteria that can cause infections.

Parents Richard Lewis, from Caerphilly county borough, and Gabby Urrutia, from Allt-yr-un, Newport, said at the time they had not heard of the condition.

Mr Lewis said: “If we had known about GBS before labour all it would of taken for Amber to be OK was antibiotics during labour. Babies catch it through the birth canal.

“We want to spread the word so as many people as possible are made aware of what could happen.

“We have arranged a 10-hour cycle at Pure Gym in Newport for people to come along and donate money for the GBS charity.”

And on Saturday, more than 20 people took part in the challenge at Friars Walk.

“It was very tiring in places,” said Miss Urrutia.

“But we were determined to get to the end.

“I did the equivalent of four marathons. Richard cycled more than 80 miles.”

The team’s combined distance totalled more than 1,242 miles.

"People came at different times of the day," said Mr Lewis.

"The event started at 8am and finished at 6pm.

“Four people managed to complete the 10 hours - Gabby’s sister and boyfriend, and her best friend and boyfriend."

And Miss Urrutia added: "We just wanted to achieve as much of the 10 hours as possible.

"We did not really set distance targets as everyone had different abilities of endurance and levels of fitness so it was just a combined effort."

Mr Lewis said the event managed to raised £1,723 for Group B Strep Support charity.

"The charity does wonders for people," he said.

"We wanted to help them because they give advice and support to lots of people who have gone through what we have.

"We also did it in memory of Amber."

He added: “The seats were very uncomfortable after being sat down for a certain amount of time. We were having to change our position quite often.

"The most important part is that the money raised will help other families like us."