Eight years after a tragic accident at Alton Towers, amputee Leah Washington is embracing her new life with optimism, fuelled by her belief that "hard work leads you to the place you want to be".

In 2015, freshly out of college and aspiring to be a teacher, Ms Washington's world was upended when a catastrophic roller coaster crash at the theme park resulted in the loss of her left leg.

She has spoken about her experiences ahead of a fundraising walk in Rickmansworth for an amputee charity.

Recalling the harrowing moment, she said: "If it wasn’t for the air ambulance I wouldn’t be here, the techniques that they used on me to save my life were military techniques, warzone techniques, and really specialist."

Following this life-altering incident, Leah battled her way back to independence through rigorous rehabilitation.

At the Manchester Clinic, now known as Dorset Orthopaedic, Ms Washington found a supportive environment that helped her journey of recovery.

Ms Washington said: "Dorset Orthopaedic are so positive and listen to you.

"Carolyn has pushed me to do anything that I wanted to try, and would offer to come with me as well; half the things I have done are down to them.

"You know that if there was anything that you needed you could just ring them and they’d be there."

Dorset Orthopaedic Care have organised four inclusive walks to raise money for the charity amputee charity, Steel Bones. 

One of those events is taking place on April 25 at Rickmansworth Aquadrome. 

It starts at 1pm and the walk is fully inclusive and suitable for wheelchair user. Participants are asked for a £5 minimum donation fee, and people can register their interest on the Dorset Orthopaedic website. 

Ms Washington's boyfriend, who was present in the traumatic rollercoaster incident and shattered both his knees, proposed in 2022.

Ms Washington said: "We’ve been through so much together; to have somebody that went through the same journey and still be together, and to support each other it’s amazing.

"He’s my best friend."