‘I'm no longer angry about losing my leg in the Smiler crash'
New UK|June 8, 2020
Alton Towers crash survivor Vicky Balch, 24, from Preston, tells new how on the fifth anniversary of the disaster, she can finally start to put events of that horrifying day behind her
LEBBY EYRES
‘I'm no longer angry about losing my leg in the Smiler crash'

Every year, as 2 June approaches, the anniversary of the Alton Towers Smiler ride crash, I find myself wondering what might have been.

Before I got on that rollercoaster, I was a happy-go-lucky 19-year-old with a bright future ahead of me. I was determined to get my beauty degree and then travel the world.

Just a few minutes later, those dreams came to an end. The carriage I was sitting in crashed into an empty one that had got stuck on the track ahead – but no one operating the ride had noticed it was there.

I saw the carriage up ahead but blacked out for a few seconds following the collision. When I came to, the carriage was swaying and hanging at a 45 degree angle. Incredibly, even though I was screaming in pain, along with other victims including Leah Washington, the workers on the ground didn’t think we were seriously injured. It took them 17 minutes to call 999.

When I look back now, the hours we were trapped up there are a blur, but while we were waiting to be rescued it felt like a lifetime. I remember the pain as they cut the bar to set us free. They gave us ketamine and painkillers and I recall wanting to sleep, but someone was holding my hand and telling me not to.

I knew my leg injury was serious and I remember thinking, ”I’ll never be able to walk again.” But I didn’t think I would lose my leg. In the weeks after the crash, I had seven operations as surgeons battled to save it. But then I started to go downhill. I was sleeping a lot and felt awful. It turned out I had sepsis into the bone.

“It smells bad,” my surgeon said. “We need to operate, but if we do have to amputate, do you want us to wake you up first, or just do it?”

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 8, 2020 من New UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 8, 2020 من New UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من NEW UK مشاهدة الكل
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024