Alton Towers victim who had leg amputated posts inspirational holiday pictures
She says she's 'starting to feel confident in [her] own skin'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Most young women struggle with body confidence. But one teenager who’s had more to overcome than most is Leah Washington.
19-year-old Washington had to have her leg amputated after she was a victim in the tragic Alton Towers crash of 2015.
But she’s now spoken out to say she’s starting to feel confident in her own skin, posting beautiful holiday pictures.
Proving that all bodies are wonderful, regardless of their size or shape, Washington has shared snaps from her holiday in Marbella with boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18.
She explained that body confidence was one of her biggest problems after the accident, but she’s now feeling much happier about her appearance:
“My body and life had changed forever and it is something that I’m still getting used to,” Washington wrote.
“Going on holiday and wearing a bikini in front of so many other people was one of my biggest fears but now I’m starting to feel confident in my own skin (and bikini lol) and realise that every individual looks great in their own way… and don’t worry about what other people think it's irrelevant.”
And her wise words struck a chord with many of her followers.
“YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION LEAH!! You don’t need to worry how you look but anyway you look stunning and you should be very proud of yourself,” one person commented.
“You look incredible whatever anyone thinks! I think you're so amazing and an inspiration to have gone through what you have and come out the person you are!” added another.
“You look amazing! Scars and injuries show a story not a weakness,” wrote one follower.
Washington and Pugh had only been dating for six weeks when they went to Alton Towers together - she had just passed her driving test so the couple celebrated with a trip to the theme park.
But while they were on the Smiler ride, their carriage crashed into a stationary train, and Washington was one of two people to lose a leg as a result of the collision.
Pugh also had his kneecaps shattered amongst other injuries.
The incident was revealed to be down to human error, and Washington is receiving payments to help cover her costs.
She now has a prosthetic leg worth £60,000 which will have to be replaced every few years, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Alter Towers owner Merlin Attractions were fined £5 million for health and safety breaches after the crash, but Washington says they’ve been good to her since:
“Merlin have looked after me and my family so well,” she said. “I understand that complex claims like mine take a long time. I would like to thank them for all their support over the past two years.”
She and Pugh have submitted a “substantial” compensation claim.
A spokesperson for Alton Towers said: “From the outset we have sought to provide assistance and support to those that were injured and their families.
“Those individuals who have not yet settled their claims have received significant interim payments. Furthermore the company has regular direct contact with those seriously injured and continues to provide help and support wherever we can.”
When Washington’s loss of earnings are taken into consideration, she could be looking at a payout into the millions.
Money aside, all can agree it’s inspirational to see her looking happy and confident.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments