Rebecca Henderson who kept heart in a rucksack inspires appeal

Rebecca Henderson, from Bicester, had her entire heart removed after doctors found a cancerous tumour ‘the size of a large egg’ in 2017.

The only way to save her life was to replace her heart with a 7kg Total Artificial Heart (TAH) which she carried with her in a rucksack.

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For more than a year she tackled everyday life, including her Masters in Medieval Studies at Oxford University, with the life-saving machine connected to her body via two tubes.

With batteries lasting just two-and-a-half hours, her parents Linda and Mike were always by her side with an entire spare.

Miss Henderson died on February 27 following complications after a recent heart transplant. Her parents describe her as ‘brave, inspirational, smart, generous, and funny’, and ‘the most caring person’ who was known for her tea making.

During her near 18-month battle, she defied doctors constantly, continued her studies and raised more than £10,000 for charity.

Part of her efforts included the idea for an appeal with her former school Rye St Antony’s, in Headington, culminating in a 15km walk through the city on June 26.

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The school, determined to carry on Miss Henderson’s legacy and commitment, yesterday pledged alongside her parents to continue the £30,000 appeal in her honour.

Teachers and pupils are hoping to raise £15,000, match funded by local businesses, to raise enough money for a revolutionary machine which transports ‘live’ donor organs as opposed to keeping them on ice.

Harefield Hospital has two of the Organ Care Systems allowing organs to last up to 12 hours in transportation, rather than the previous three hours.

Mrs Henderson said the original school appeal was instigated by her daughter when she returned for an alumni event last year. She studied A-levels there before St Anne’s College in 2013.

At the time, Miss Henderson had her artificial heart and talked about her fundraising efforts and together with the school dreamt up the idea of a charity walk.

Yesterday, Miss Henderson’s parents joined a school assembly to launch the appeal and spoke about their daughter’s story and incredible determination.

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Mrs Henderson said: “It is a lot of mixed emotions. On the one hand it is incredibly sad, as had Rebecca come through the transplant she would be doing the walk herself. She was very big into fitness and that sort of thing.”

Miss Henderson took on one fun run last year, walking the children’s course with friends, family, hospital staff and dog, as Team Heart(less) raising £2,350 for Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.

Her mum added: “But on the other hand, Rye was a special place for Rebecca.

“She would be chuffed to bits and really pleased to know the school is continuing with the appeal.

“We know from our own experience how important the money is and what it is for.

“It is a gift of life and you can’t give anything more than that.”

At a service for the 24-year-old last month, one friend said ‘I have never known anyone who was so many people’s best friend’.

It is that dedicated caring approach her parents and the school hope to continue with the 15-4-15 challenge.

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Deputy Head Miss Joanne Croft said: "It is a great chance to mark the life of a former pupil who has gone on to inspire so many through her response to the challenges she faced.

"By raising £15,000 in school we aim, with match funding from partners and businesses, to boost that to £30,000.

"This will enable the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity to buy one Organ Care System kit that can be used to help save the life of someone just like Becca."

For more details or to donate go to rbhcharity.org/fundraisers/challenge2019-15-4-15-