Pupils to walk 15k in memory of Rebecca Henderson who kept her heart in a backpack

Pupils of Rye St Antony School, in Headington, will take on the almost 10-mile route in honour of Rebecca Henderson.

Miss Henderson, from Bicester, died on February 27 following complications after a recent heart transplant.

In the year prior, the 'passionate' and 'brave' former Rye St Antony pupil had her entire heart removed and it was replaced with a 7kg Total Artificial Heart(TAH) which she carried with her in a rucksack.

It didn't deter Miss Henderson from continuing her Masters in Medieval Studies at Oxford University, as well as raising £10,000 for charity in a bid to boost awareness of the importance of organ donation.

It was this determination that has inspired youngsters at the Oxford school to tomorrow take on the fundraiser, an idea which the school had planned with Miss Henderson before she passed.

The Oxford university student had planned to take on the walk herself, so today pupils will continue the fundraising efforts in her honour.

Deputy head Joanne Croft said: "Becca demonstrated a true passion for life and throughout her illness she fought hard to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

"It is a great privilege to take on this challenge to raise £15,000 as a school in order to continue Becca's legacy.

"Her indefatigable energy is an inspiration to us all and may we all live as boldly and bravely as her."

The school has already raised more than £13,000 through events and activities.

Tomorrow's walk is the culmination of the campaign and hopes to take the total over £15,000 and then with match funding raise £30,000 in total towards an Organ Care System Kit at the Royal Brompton and Harfield Hospital.

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