A COUPLE who sustained life-changing injuries after a horrifying rollercoaster accident that made national news raised £25,000 for three charities which played a key role in their recoveries.
The ball - at the Metrodome last Saturday night - marked a decade since the Alton Towers crash which left then-teenagers Leah Washington and Joe Pugh with life-changing injuries.
Leah, who was 17 at the time, and Joe, who was 18, were on their first date when the ‘Smiler’ rollercoaster crashed into another carriage, leaving Leah with an amputated leg and Joe with two shattered kneecaps and injuries to his fingers.
A record £5m fine was imposed on Merlin Attractions, owners of Alton Towers, for health and safety failings that resulted in the injuries of 16 people in total.
Leah and Joe - who are now married - commended air ambulance services for saving their lives after the crash.
Stranded on the ride for about four hours, they credit emergency workers for saving Leah’s life who spent five days in intensive care and eight weeks in hospital.
Stewarts, the law firm who represented Leah and Joe, funded the ball to ensure all proceeds raised via ticket sales and during the evening went to the couple’s three chosen charities.
They are the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity and the Barnsley-based LimbBo Foundation.
The charity, founded in 2018, was inspired by the birth of Tommy Dengel who was born missing his right hand and part of his right forearm.
His parents Adam and Katie Dengel, grandmother Jane Hewitt and family friend Paul Woodcock used 3D printing techniques to create limbs.
In a joint statement, Leah and Joe said: “We did it to mark ten years since our accident.
“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who made this event such a success.
“To all the generous guests who attended the ball, your support means the world to us.
“We raised over £25,000 which will have a real and lasting impact, supporting charities that save lives and bring hope to families every single day.
“As we mark ten years since the accident, we remain deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by us throughout our journey.”
Merlin Attractions admitted breaches of the Health and Safety Act in what bosses called ‘the most serious incident’ in Alton Towers’ history.
Imposing the fine on Merlin, Judge Michael Chambers said the crash had been foreseeable, but accepted the company had subsequently taken full and extensive steps to remedy the problems that led to it happening.
Anna Wiseman, a partner at Stewarts, added: “It has been a privilege for Stewarts law firm to sponsor this remarkable event attended by over 300 people from across the country.
“We are proud to support Leah and Joe as they raise vital funds for three outstanding charities: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity, whose rapid response services are life-saving in the most critical moments, and the LimbBo Foundation, a cause very close to Leah and Joe’s hearts, providing essential support for children living with limb differences.
“Their strength and commitment to giving back is truly inspiring.”
