An Alton Towers crash victim who lost her right leg in a horrific rollercoaster accident made an unexpected catwalk appearance at London Fashion Week.
Amputee Vicky Balch, 22, modelled on the catwalk for label TeatumJones alongside a number of other amputee models on Friday.
Miss Balch lost her leg in 2015 when the Smiler ride malfunctioned and careered into a carriage ahead, leaving her and four others seriously injured.
Amputee Vicky Balch, 22, who lost her right leg in a horrific Alton Towers rollercoaster accident in 2015 made an unexpected catwalk appearance at London Fashion Week on Friday
London Fashion Week has previously come under fire for appearing to favour underweight models and lacking diversity.
However, in a well received break from the norm, several designers chose to employ models with disabilities for their catwalk shows.
In an even bolder move, the Swedish School of Textiles chose to use several wheelchair users for the SS18 show, earning plaudits for their decision.
Miss Balch lost her leg in 2015 when the Smiler ride malfunctioned and careered into a carriage ahead leaving her and four others seriously injured
London Fashion Week has previously come under fire for appearing to favour underweight models and lacking diversity
It is understood Vicky is represented by Zebedee Model Agency for models with disabilities.
Miss Balch later tweeted excitedly: ‘Can’t believe I got to walk for TEATUMJONES at LondonFashionWeek’
The inspirational amputee who has a considerable online following thanks to her body confidence posts made an impressive debut on the runway,
However, in a well received break from the norm, several designers chose to employ models with disabilities for their catwalk shows
Modelling a billowing floor length jumper dress, tapered in around the waist in moss-green, Miss Balch’s prosthetic leg was visible during her walk making a powerful body confidence statement.
Social media users flocked to Twitter to praise her brave move. Paul McLeod said the model ‘looked amazing,’ while another complimented her on a top job.
Social media users flocked to Twitter to praise her brave move
Paul McLeod said the model ‘looked amazing,’ while another complimented her on a top job
Meanwhile, it emerged the 22-year-old had a more recent brush with death after the brakes failed in a car she was driving while travelling through Vietnam
Meanwhile, it emerged the 22-year-old had a more recent brush with death after the brakes failed in a car she was driving while travelling through Vietnam.
Vicky told the BBC crew following journey through south east Asia: ‘If the barriers hadn’t stopped us, we would have gone over the edge. It was like “what if”?
‘It was overwhelming and I think that just brought everything back up to the surface.’