'Hand transplant will help me be a doctor'

Medical student says donor limb has changed her life

- By Filipa Gaspar

A MEDICAL student who had both legs and most of her fingers amputated due to meningitis hopes a pioneering hand transplant will help her become a doctor.

Becca Heritage was just 18 and in the first weeks of her medicine degree when she became ill.

She was diagnosed with meningitis and her parents were told to expect the worst - but medics were able to save her life by amputating affected limbs.

After learning how to walk on her prosthetic legs, Becca then became only the ninth UK patient to undergo a hand transplant.

Fever

Becca, now 25, said it has helped her in her work, adding: “It’s definitely made it easier for me to take blood, and even to do something simple like putting my gloves on.”