Ride hell teen able to stand
Fun ride crash girl is able to stand up after message
ALTON Towers victim Leah Washington has stood for the first time since losing a leg in last week’s rollercoaster crash.
The 17-year-old is making a rapid recovery, says her brother.
ALTON Towers crash victim Leah Washington has stood up for the first time since losing a leg in last week’s rollercoaster horror.
The 17-year-old is said to have been inspired after receiving a “get well” video message from her pop heroes One Direction.
Her brother Luke said yesterday that she was now making a “rapid” recovery after fighting for her life in intensive care.
“She had machines keeping her going,” he admitted.
“It was only the day after they took her off that she was back to breathing on her own.
“As each day has gone by she has improved and improved. She’s done amazing.”
Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorks, was one of four thrill-seekers who were badly hurt on The Smiler ride when their car crashed into another at 25mph last Tuesday.
The teen, who was on a first date with Joe Pugh, 18, had her left leg amputated above the knee and suffered a fractured hand. Joe, also from Barnsley, suffered two broken knees and extensive hand injuries. 1D got in touch after a Twitter campaign named “Get 1D To Leah” . Louis Tomlinson, 23, tweeted to her: “Thinking about you”. Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton, Derbyshire, and Vicky Balch, 20, from Leyland, Lancs, were also badly hurt in the crash.
Alton Towers have pledged to pay compensation, with lawyers estimating victims could be in line for up to £2 million each.