Alton Towers crash victim Leah Washington praised for sharing 'inspirational' body image message

Leah Washington, 19, lost her leg in the Alton Towers crash two years ago

Alton Towers crash victim Leah Washington has been praised for sharing a powerful message of body positivity and acceptance on social media - two years after her life-changing injuries.

The 19 year old, who lost her leg in the horrific incident at the theme park, has taken to Instagram to share an inspirational message with her followers, who have since praised her for her positivity.

Leah shared the snap on Instagram during a holiday with boyfriend Joe Pugh. The couple were on holiday in Marbella together, and shared various snaps of them dining and relaxing in the sun together.

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The picture, which shows her in her bikini going for a dip in the pool with her artificial leg, was shared alongside the caption: '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.'

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Leah, along with boyfriend Joe, was on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers when it crashed in June 2015.

The crash seriously injured four other people, along with Leah, when their carriage collided with another when the ride was restarted by staff.

Both Leah and Victoria Bach had to have legs amputated after the crash caused severe injuries. Leah's boyfriend Joe suffered from shattered knee caps.

A photo posted by on

Many of her followers thanked Leah for sharing the inspirational post, with one saying: 'Your courage will be a great hope for many people. You are wonderful,' while another said, 'Beauty is within but you have both outside and inner beauty. You go girl!!!!'

The Smiler ride reopened last March after more extra safety features were added. Merlin, the company who looks after Alton Towers, were fined £5m after the incident.

Sarah Finley
Freelance wrtier

 Sarah is a freelance journalist, writing for various women's magazines and national online consumer titles including the BBC and The Daily Mail, for over 10 years. Sarah has interviewed CEO's, real-life case studies and celebrities. Writing on everything from travel to fitness, and business to beauty - some of her features have been read by millions of people - in just one day.