Student's Near-Death Meningitis Fight: "Act Fast!"

A medical student's life was drastically altered after contracting meningitis in November 2018. Becca Heritage, then 25, was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia during her first term at the University of Southampton.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring doctors to amputate both her legs below the knee and most fingers from both hands. After a prolonged recovery, including a rare hand transplant, she has regained significant function.

Now, Becca is a vocal advocate for meningitis awareness, stressing that prompt identification of symptoms is crucial for survival. She highlights that the strain she contracted, MenB, is the same responsible for recent outbreaks.

Inspired by her ordeal, Becca is pursuing a Master of Medical Sciences and aims to become a General Practitioner. She is also campaigning for the NHS to offer the MenB vaccine to the generation that missed eligibility, believing it could prevent similar tragedies.