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16th Aug 2017

Alton Towers crash victim shares inspiring snaps on Instagram

She lost her leg in the accident.

Jade Hayden

Leah Washington was just 18 when she was involved in the Alton Towers Smiler crash that left her and boyfriend Joe seriously injured.

The pair had been on a date when their roller coaster carriage malfunctioned and crashed into the one in front it.

Leah lost her left leg in the accident, and both of Joe’s kneecaps were shattered.

Since then, the now 19-year-old has made a string of TV and media appearances to discuss how the crash has impacted her life.

She spoke of how she was “living in agony” and how it took her a long time to come to terms with what had happened to her.

This week, Leah shared an update on her process from Marbella.

She posted a collection of photos from her trip on Instagram, stating: “I’m starting to feel confident in my own skin.”

A post shared by leah washington (@leahwashy) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX2cghSBjN6/?hl=en&taken-by=leahwashy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXA7rYQByhv/?hl=en&taken-by=leahwashy

Leah’s full post reads:

“Just after my accident body confidence was one of my biggest problems. My body and life had changed forever and it is something that I’m still getting used to.

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”

The teaching assistant also shared a photo of her and Joe. The couple have stayed together since the accident.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXu0aBOlEdr/?hl=en&taken-by=leahwashy

The picture received over 2,000 likes on Instagram, with many users commending Leah for her bravery.

She will undergo more surgery on her leg next month.