Advertisement

Teen amputee confronts 'biggest fear' and shares defiant bikini picture

A brave teenager who lost her leg in a horrific rollercoaster crash has taken to social media to share a defiant bikini picture while on holiday.

The snaps show Leah Washington, 19, by a pool while sipping a cocktail and posing with friends.

In 2015, Ms Washington suffered severe injuries after being involved in the horror Alton Towers Smiler rollercoaster crash in the UK.

Leah has bravely posted images of herself in a bikini after regaining her body confidence. Source: Instagram
Leah has bravely posted images of herself in a bikini after regaining her body confidence. Source: Instagram

Due to the impact she was forced to have her left leg amputated above the knee in hospital.

Leah was in the front carriage with her boyfriend Joe Pugh when it crashed into another cart.

The horror smash left the pair trapped for more than four hours, reports The Sun.

Joe’s knees were shattered due to the impact of the crash.

After losing her leg in the horror crash Leah struggled to come to terms with her new body.

However in the two years since the crash she has focused on regaining her body confidence.

Leah's attitude since the accident has been called inspirational by many. Source: Instagram
Leah's attitude since the accident has been called inspirational by many. Source: Instagram

“Just after my accident body confidence was one of my biggest problems,” she captioned the image on Instagram.

“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) and realise that every individual looks great in their own way.

“Don’t worry about what other people think, it’s irrelevant.”

Leah with her boyfriend on holiday in Spain. Source: Instagram
Leah with her boyfriend on holiday in Spain. Source: Instagram

Vicky Balch, another survivor of the crash who also had to have one her of legs amputated, has also spread body-positivity since the incident.

She took part in a boudoir photoshoot on her 21st birthday, saying: “What I’m trying to do is show that every person is perfect in their own way.”

Merlin Attractions, the owner of Alton Towers, was fined £5 million ($A8 million) for health and safety breaches.

The ride reopened in March 2016.