Tragedy of the student who carried her heart in a rucksack

AN OXFORD University student who attended lectures with an artificial heart in a rucksack has died from complications after transplant surgery.

Rebecca Henderson, 24, was diagnosed with a rare heart cancer in 2017 and had the organ removed.

She was given the 15lb artificial heart and carried it in the bag as it pumped blood around her body. She had an operation to receive a new heart after being cancer-free for a year but died on Wednesday.

Miss Henderson, who was studying for a master’s degree in medieval studies at St Anne’s College, had recently returned to university with her parents as her carers. They were present in case the device’s batteries failed they would have had just four minutes to get it working again.

The student, from Bicester, Oxfordshire, was one of just two people in the UK to have the device. After her death her mother Linda wrote on social media: “We’re going to miss our amazing, wonderful daughter. She touched so many lives and lived her life to the fullest. She was also my best friend and I’m going to love and miss her forever.”

Miss Henderson was diagnosed with the cancer after she collapsed vomiting blood. Doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford decided on the option of an artificial heart. It enabled her to continue her studies before she received a new heart at Harefield Hospital, west London.

St Anne’s College described her as a “talented and enthusiastic student”. Hours before her heart transplant, she was working on her thesis proposal after being invited to undertake a Dphil the Oxford equivalent of a PHD.

A university statement said: “During her studies she fell ill with sepsis and whilst in hospital was diagnosed with cancer of the heart. She defied the odds, undergoing surgery and returning to her studies last year after receiving a total artificial heart.”

It added: “Tragically after her surgery she suffered a series of complications that she could not recover from. Becca inspired us all with her unwavering determination to pursue her studies and her contagious enthusiasm for college life. She had so many hopes and plans for the future and it is hard for us to realise that she will not have the chance to fulfil them.”

Oxford academic Dr Janina Ramerez said: “She lived for over a year with a total artificial heart and sadly the operation that was due to give her a new one took her. She was just the strongest, bravest person I’ve ever met. Think of her today. Do something brave and strong to remember her.”

Speaking last year, Miss Henderson said she was looking forward to the transplant, adding: “It has been the most difficult journey and one that’s still not over. I’m hopeful I’ll get back to not only living, but thriving. I don’t want to be heartless for any longer than I need to be.”

She stressed: “There are days when it’s tough, days when the machine feels particularly heavy. But, eight months ago, people were expecting me to die. Now they’re expecting me to live.” |