Catwalk Debut For Student Who Lost Her Leg In Horrific Alton Towers ‘Smiler’ Crash
Vicky Balch wowed the audience on her catwalk debut (FameFlyNet)
A young woman who had her right leg amputated following the horrific “Smiler” rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers has made her catwalk debut.
Vicky Balch used crutches and a leg support to walk down the runway at the Models of Diversity fashion show in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on Saturday.
The 20-year-old University of Derby student showed off a checked shirt and black strapless evening dress.
Vicky Balch was hailed as inspirational following the event (FameFlyNet)
TV presenter Gail Porter, Gogglebox star Sandy Channer and wheelchair-using model Gemma Flanagan also took part in the show.
Vicky was praised for taking part in the event, which came just four months after the terrifying smash.
Vicky Balch spoke about her ordeal on This Morning in September (REX)
She lost her right leg from the knee downwards after two carriages on the Smiler ride collided.
Leah Washington and her boyfriend Joe Pugh, both 18, and Vicky’s partner Daniel Thorpe, 28, were also seriously injured after two carriages from the £18 million ride crashed on June 2.
Leah, from Barnsley, Yorkshire, also had to have a leg amputated following the horror smash.
Student Vicky Balch pictured before the terrifying accident (REX)
“She is such a Marvellous and Beautiful young lady a true inspiration Wishing you all the best Vicky,” tweeted Dave Hargreave.
“Vicky you rocked it!!! pleasure to be on the same runway with you! XX” added fellow model Tereza Brantlova.
Models of Diversity aims to promote disabled models and calls for more diversity in the beauty industry.
The Smiler ride has not operated since the crash (NTI/SWNS)
Gemma Flanagan, who is also an ambassador for the organisation, said that it had launched a petition for disabled models to be regularly used in fashion.
“Models of Diversity is about bringing diversity into fashion. Regardless of age, size, disability or ethnicity we believe that everyone should be represented,” she said.
"We campaign tirelessly to provide inspiration, representation and hope for those who are otherwise left out and discriminated against by the fashion industry,” she added.
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