One Direction to meet Alton Towers crash victim Leah Washington
They've also recorded a personal video message
One Direction are set to meet Alton Towers crash victim Leah Washington following an online campaign launched by her friends.
Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall have also recorded a personal video message wishing her well and inviting her backstage to a gig once she gets out of hospital.
17-year-old Leah from Barnsley was one of five people seriously injured in The Smiler crash on Tuesday 2nd June and has since had her left leg amputated above the knee.
She had tickets to attend One Direction’s huge Cardiff Millennium Stadium gigs last Saturday but was unable to go due to her devastating injuries.
Her friends decided to start a #Get1DToLeah hashtag calling for the band to visit Leah.
Speaking to the BBC, Leah’s friend Sara Stuart said she would be “elated” at the news she’s going to meet her idols calling it “absolutely fantastic news."
Explaining the campaign, Sara said: "After visiting her yesterday and knowing how upset she was that she missed seeing them on Saturday, we decided we would try and get in touch with them to see if they were prepared to visit her or send her a video message. She would love this."
One Direction’s agent has confirmed that the boys have recorded a personal video message to Leah and will invite her backstage once she’s well enough to attend.
The spokesperson said: "Unfortunately because of their schedule they can't visit her in hospital, but they have offered Leah tickets to a forthcoming concert of her choice when she has recovered, and will be delighted to meet her backstage then.”
Fellow Yorkshire native Louis Tomlinson sent a heartfelt tweet to Leah on Monday night, saying: “Thinking about you Leah & hoping you are home in South Yorkshire soon Xx”
Leah’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Joe Pugh, is being treated for two broken knees and extensive hand injuries in The Smiler crash.
Daniel Thorpe and Vicky Balch, who were also on the front row of the ride, are also being treated in hospital, while a fifth woman Chada Chuahan has received treatment for internal injuries.