Horror ride survivors relax in paradise

A COUPLE'S blissful smiles show the Alton Towers Smiler tragedy had served only to unite them as they honeymoon in the Maldives.

- Chris Riches

Nine years ago their rollercoaster carriage smashed into a second car at 50mph on their first date.

Leah Washington, then 17, lost her left leg. Joe Pugh, then 18, smashed his kneecaps and hurt a hand.

The couple, from Barnsley, South Yorks, wrongly feared their trauma would make them drift apart.

But in May the Express told how they had married before jetting to Mallorca.

Dream

Six months on, they are enjoying a paradise trip on the remote island chain in the Indian Ocean.