A student has told how she survived multiple amputations, meningitis and sepsis during her first term at University of Southampton. 

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 gravely ill during her first weeks studying medicine in 2018.

After learning to walk again and returning to university, the 25-year-old is campaigning to boost vaccine uptake among children and fellow students and raise awareness of organ and limb donation. 

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Becca, who plans to become a GP and also volunteers with Meningitis Now, fell suddenly ill with vomiting and a fever. She was admitted to University Hospital Southampton and was put into an induced coma.

"My condition was touch-and-go, and my family said their goodbyes as the doctors warned I might not survive," she said.

"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.”

(Image: Becca Heritage) Two months later, she underwent specialist surgery in Salisbury to amputate her legs.

She threw herself into rehab and was walking independently on prosthetics within seven weeks.(Image: Becca Heritage)

In 2023, she received a donor right hand, undergoing a 12-hour operation at Leeds General Infirmary.

Becca added: "The hand transplant was a huge step forward for me. 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."

She is currently studying a year-long Master of Medical Sciences at the University of Southampton and will return to the fourth year of her medicine degree in September.

"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.”