A VICTIM of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash told how she’s living in agony and has been left constantly aching two years on from losing a leg in the smash.
Brave Leah Washington, 19, was among 16 hurt when their carriage ploughed into another broken down on the £18million Smiler ride.
The accident in June 2015 was put down to human error and Alton Towers owner Merlin Attractions was fined £5million for health and safety breaches.
But Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorks., says she is still waiting for final damages to be paid out.
Speaking about her teaching assistant apprenticeship, she told MailOnline:“I’m on my feet a lot, bending down. I didn’t think it would be as hard as it is.
“I come home from work and all I want to do is get in bed. I’m always aching.”
Leah, who is facing fresh surgery on her leg in September, said: “They said it would take up to three years, so we’re still waiting to hear.
“There are lots of meetings and specialists you have to see. I still don’t really understand.”
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Experts reckon the final figure could run into millions.
But Leah added: “It’s not going to bring back my leg, it’s not going to bring back the life I had before.
“I still don’t think I’ve fully come to terms with everything that’s happened.
“I didn’t think it would be as hard as it is. It’s not really a life, but it’s something I’ll have to live with.”
Leah dreamed of becoming a teacher, but she says that her disability is proving a barrier to the job she’s always wanted.
She said she is now having to opt for a “less demanding” career.
An investigation found an engineer had wrongly restarted the Smiler ride while a stationary carriage was on the track in front of it.
Judge Michael Chambers QC described the accident as a “catastrophic failure” and said it was entirely avoidable.
Interim payments have since been paid to cover Leah’s medical and physio bills to date, but the full compensation figure is still being assessed.
Leah was on a date with boyfriend Joe Pugh, 18, when the accident happened.
Joe suffered shattered kneecaps in the accident.
Others hurt included Vicky Balch, 20, from Lancashire, who had six rounds of surgery in a bid to save her leg before needing an amputation.
Daniel Thorpe, 27, from Buxton in Derbyshire, was treated for a collapsed lung and lower leg injuries.
Chanda Chauhan, 49, from Wednesbury, had surgery after suffering internal injuries.
A spokesperson for Alton Towers said: “From the outset we have sought to provide assistance and support to those that were injured and their families.
“Those individuals who have not yet settled their claims have received significant interim payments.
“Furthermore the company has regular direct contact with those seriously injured and continues to provide help and support wherever we can.”
Leah Washington said: “Merlin have looked after me and my family so well!
“I understand that complex claims like mine take a long time. I would like to thank them for all their support over the past 2 years.”
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