This model who lost her leg is championing diversity on the runway

A few months ago, Vicky Balch feared she would never be able to walk again. The 20-year-old student lost her leg after a roller coaster crash at Alton Towers, and amusement park in Staffordshire, England, in June.

According to Mashable, Balch had been in the front row of a ride called The Smiler with four others when her carriage crashed into another. Balch remembers being in “indescribable” pain that caused her to faint. The damage to her right leg was so severe that it had to be amputated below the knee.

Despite the horrifying event, Balch made her runway debut on Saturday, in Shepherds Bush London. She used gold crutches to support her as she confidently strode up and down the green carpet, looking stunning.

Balch sported two separate outfits; one, a casual, belted shirtdress paired with a glamorous hat. In the other look, Balch wore an elegant black gown paired with understated jewelry.

Models of Diversity, a non-profit that champions greater diversity within the modeling world, organized the show. Founded by former model Angel Sinclair, the organization campaigns to have models of every age, size, color, and ability recognized as beautiful by the fashion and beauty industries.

Balch was joined in the show by Gail Porter, a Scottish television presenter and former model with alopecia, and Sandy Channer, from the British show Gogglebox.

While Balch looked incredible on the runway, we have to commend her most for her bravery and positivity. Despite the tragic incident that befell her a mere few month ago, she is conquering her circumstance (and our hearts) while making a public stand for the diversity of beauty—and those are two things we can definitely get behind!