Miss Wales thanks fans after Bridgend crash
A BEAUTY queen who broke her neck, jaw and pelvis in a motorway crash has issued a heartfelt “thank you” to well-wishers from her hospital bed.
Miss Wales Darcey Corria, 21, was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) where she has had blood transfusions and is described as being “stable and improving slowly but steadily every day” after the collision.
The horrific crash took place on the M4 near Bridgend on January 19 and saw the road closed for more than three hours.
Miss World hopeful Darcey, of Barry, has received messages of support from all around the world including the Philippines, Vietnam, the USA and Brazil. Her family said the messages had meant a great deal to them.
She has now thanked “every single person” who has sent her well-wishes and says she is focusing on getting better “as soon as possible”.
As reported, the crash took place just four months before Darcey is due to represent Wales at the at Miss World competition in May. She last year became the first person of colour to win the title of Miss Wales in the competition’s 70-year history.
In a message to fans, Darcey wrote: “Just a quick post to thank every single person who has taken the time out of their day to wish me well and send their love, it truly means the world to me so thank you very much.
“I am trying to stay off of my phone so that I can heal and get better asap so please don’t think I’m ignoring your kind messages. Thank you all.”
Darcey is a black rights advocate and has volunteered for Race Equality First to help people integrate into the community through health and fitness.
A spokeswoman for Miss Wales said: “Darcey is receiving much love and support from her close family, who have been reassured that she is expected to make a full recovery.
“While the accident will have an immediate impact on Darcey’s preparation for Miss World in May, we are hopeful and confident that she will still be able to fly the flag for Wales thanks to her own personal determination, the love and support of her family and the incredible team of medics at UHW.”
The M4 eastbound was completely closed for more than three hours as emergency services teams worked at the scene between junction 36 Sarn Services and junction 35 Pencoed.
A fundraising page has been set up to support Darcey (www.gofundme. com/f/darcey-corria-miss-wales-2022).
Miss Wales organiser Paula Abbandonato said: “The last few days have been so difficult for Darcey’s family and all those who love and care for her.
“I’ve had so many people get in touch asking how they can help or support... Darcey is a fighter and she knows we are behind her all the way.”