Alton Towers rollercoaster crash victim returns to scene for 'therapy'
One of the victims of the Alton Towers rollercoaster crash has returned to the scene on the advice of a counsellor, to help him cope with anxiety issues he has experienced since the accident.
Joe Pugh,19, was in the front carriage of the Smiler ride with his girlfriend Leah Washington when it smashed into another cart at the Staffordshire theme park.
He was left with life-changing injuries after both his kneecaps were shattered, while Ms Washington was one of two victims to have a leg amputated.
The student from Barnsley told the Sunday People he had anxiety issues since the accident, which an investigation found was caused by human error.
Joe also spoke about his ongoing recovery and the need for more surgery on his knees in the future.
"I was in hospital for a month and was left with less than half a kneecap in my left knee and half a kneecap in my right one.
"I've been told I will recover but in the future I'll need knee replacements so there is more surgery in the pipeline."
In total sixteen people were injured on the ride when the carriage they were in collided with another that had come to a halt on the track on June 2.
In addition to Leah and Joe, Vicky Balch, 20, who also had a leg amputated, her partner Daniel Thorpe, and Chandaben Chauhan, 49, were also seriously injured in the crash.
The theme park's owner Merlin Entertainments said the Smiler ride would reopen next year.
University student Ms Balch, has previously said she wants it shut for good.