A decade after a catastrophic rollercoaster collision at Alton Towers left her with life-altering injuries, Leah Washington-Pugh has spoken candidly about her ongoing recovery and her mission to support fellow amputees.
A Life Changed in an Instant
Leah Washington-Pugh was just 17 years old when the Smiler ride she was on with her then-boyfriend, Joe Pugh, collided with another carriage on June 2, 2015. The horrific accident at the Staffordshire theme park resulted in such severe injuries that her left leg had to be amputated below the knee.
Reflecting on the traumatic event, Leah, now 28 and from Barnsley, described the profound shock. "It was a massive shock, obviously, for everybody that's experienced not just a traumatic event but then to also become an amputee from the accident as well," she shared. "I was 17 so I was just starting to go out and be an independent person. And then everything was taken away from me."
Finding Strength and a New Purpose
Despite the immense challenges, Leah feels "lucky to be where I am now" and has channelled her experience into a powerful force for good. She is one of six volunteer patient ambassadors who will offer peer support at the new National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC).
This £105 million, 70-bed NHS facility is located at the Stanford Hall Estate, south of East Leake, and is expected to open by the end of the year. It is poised to usher in a "new era" for patients recovering from severe injuries and illnesses across the nation.
Leah's role is inspired by her own recovery journey. "When I was in hospital a girl came to see me who was also an amputee. She gave me an idea of what was coming and what my future would look like. It massively helped in my journey," she explained. "I'll come down to see them and have a chat with them. Be that friendly face."
A New Chapter in Rehabilitation
Leah is not alone in her ambassadorial duties. Luke Pickering, 32, from Annesley, is another ambassador for the NRC. His life was upended in 2023 when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed from head to toe.
He was hospitalised for 94 days, a terrifying period during which he was unable to close his eyes for three weeks. Luke, a self-employed mechanic, has made a significant recovery and can now walk again, though he still experiences numb feet. He credits intense early physiotherapy for his progress, an approach the NRC will champion.
Luke called the centre a "massive game-changer," adding, "It's going to improve a lot of people's recovery stages. The facilities they've got here, the technology, the views you've got." He took on the role to "give back and help other people to give them that nudge of you can do it, you've just got to try."
Leah, Joe, and Luke were among the 16 victims compensated by the park's operator, Merlin, for the 2015 crash. A decade on, Leah's perspective is a blend of resilience and realism. "Obviously there's times now when I just think it's a hassle and I wish I could have my leg back and live a normal life," she admitted. "But I've got to think I'm lucky to be where I am now and embrace every moment and live life to the fullest."
