Speaking to the Daily Mail, Leah Washington, who woke from a coma to learn she would need to have her leg amputated, admitted the news came as a terrifying blow.
Recalling the moment surgeons explained the extent of her injuries, Leah remembers screaming and shouting, wailing: "Don't tell me! Don't tell me!"
The 18-year-old reveals she struggled with her body's appearance following the crash, saying: "It took me a long time to look at my injury. When I did, I burst into tears."
The brave teenage girl, who almost died twice as a result of injuries sustained during the Smiler crash in June, insists her injuries haven't altered her perception of herself, saying: "I'm 18 - I can't stand not being independent. My grandad offered me a blanket in my wheelchair and I said: "No, I'm not 90."
Incredibly courageous and determined, the beautiful teen is adamant she maintain the independence she cherished prior to the shocking event, saying: "It's exhausting being on crutches, but I hate going out in my wheelchair with people staring at me. I don't even want a stair lift."
Explaining that she no longer attempts to cover her leg, Leah looks to the future, acknowledges the road ahead and says: "My life is just one long list of physio and hospital appointments. But I've got to move on and deal with it."
We are wishing Leah all the very best as she recovers from the horrific accident.
