Sepsis survivor’s campaign to raise awareness
A University of Southampton student who underwent multiple amputations followed by the UK’s ninth hand transplant after contracting meningitis and sepsis is now campaigning to raise awareness.
Becca Heritage had to fight for her life and endured multiple surgeries – including having both legs, her right hand and several fingers amputated, and many skin grafts – after she became extremely ill during her first term at university studying medicine in 2018.
Now, the 25-year-old is back at university and also campaigning to boost vaccine awareness amongst fellow students and raise awareness of organ and limb donation.
Becca, who is a volunteer with Meningitis Now, said: “Meningitis is so easily preventable now with a vaccine, so it’s so important that every child has their meningitis vaccines. Everyone can get the MenACWY jab up until their 25th birthday. I want to make sure that all university students know that, if they have missed out, they can still have the vaccine if they’re under 25.”
Vaccines against Meningitis B and C are offered to all children, and the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis, is offered to all 14-year-olds.
Becca, who lives in Southampton, fell suddenly ill with repeated vomiting and a fever in November 2018. She was admitted to University Hospital Southampton where she deteriorated and was put into an induced coma for two weeks.
“My condition was touch-and-go, and my family said their goodbyes as the doctors warned I might not survive,” she recalled. “When I eventually woke up two weeks later, I learned that I had been battling meningitis and sepsis and, looking down, I saw that my hands and patches of skin were black. The texture was unreal, almost like the surface of a brick.”
Becca remained in hospital in Southampton for two months, then she was transferred to Salisbury District Hospital for specialist surgery to amputate her legs.
She threw herself into prosthetic rehab and was walking independently on prosthetics within seven weeks.
In 2023, she received a donor right hand. The 12-hour operation took place at Leeds General Infirmary, the only centre in the UK that performs the intricate surgery.
“The hand transplant was a huge step forward for me,” she said. “It’s been absolutely amazing – I can now write with my right hand again and am continuing to gain sensation so I can feel warmth, cold and some textures.”
As a result, Becca is also keen to raise awareness of organ transplantation, the NHS Organ Donor Register and discussing organ and limb donation with family.
She said: "Although these conversations may be difficult, it is vital to discuss your wishes with loved ones. Organ donation is an incredible gift, and while hand transplants might not be life-saving like other organs, they are absolutely life changing."
Becca’s ambition is to become a GP. She is currently studying a year-long Master of Medical Sciences at the University of Southampton and will be return to the fourth year of her medicine degree in September.
She said: “The university has been really supportive throughout everything. When I was in hospital, they even provided a house nearby in Southampton so my family could stay nearby, and I was able to leave hospital to join them there on Christmas Day.”
She added: “I want to make sure I use my time at university to also boost awareness of meningitis symptoms and vaccinations, by running stands at student events and through organising fundraising such as bake sales for Meningitis Now. I’ve been really proud to reclaim my life. Despite my disability, I am determined not to let it change my path and I am grateful that I am able to lead an independent life.”
Symptoms of meningitis in children and adults:
- Fever, cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale blotchy skin, with spots/rash
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions/seizures
Visit the Meningitis Now website for more information.