Miss Wales shares first picture since devastating M4 crash that left her with serious injuries

Darcey Corria was visited in hospital by the Miss World team, including reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska, as she fights back from breaking her neck, jaw and pelvis

Darcey Corria made history as the first woman of colour to be crowned winner of Miss Wales in the 2022 pageant (Image: Danielle Latimer)

Miss Wales Darcey Corria has shared her first photo from hospital since the motorway crash that saw her suffer a string of injuries. The 21-year-old suffered a broken neck, jaw and pelvis in the horrific crash near Bridgend on January 19.

Wales Online reported that she was visited in hospital by the reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska and Julia Morley, chair of the Miss World Organisation. The pair spent time with Darcey, who said on Instagram: “It was so lovely of them to come and visit me.

"I didn’t expect that at all. It really does mean the world to me and I am so grateful.” Darcey will see them again when she represents Wales at Miss World in May.

Darcey, of Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, had blood transfusions at the University Hospital of Wales and is described as being "stable and improving slowly but steadily every day". The M4 eastbound was completely closed for more than three hours as emergency services teams attended the scene between junction 36 Sarn Services and junction 35 Pencoed.

Julia Morley, chair of Miss World, and Karolina Bielawska, Miss World, visited Darcey in hospital (Image: Paula Abbandonato)

Darcey took to her Instagram story to speak further on the experience. She said: "I will admit that the past few days have been a struggle as I have been frustrated with myself for not being able to do what I usually can... however, today I had the privilege of being visited by Steven Morley and @thejuliamorley, CEO of Miss World along with the current @missworld, @karolinabielawska and not to forget my mum, @sarah_milne75 and Miss Wales Director @paulaabbandonato.

"It was truly an honour and a privilege to meet with the @missworld team and I am so grateful that they travelled all this way to be with me! Within minutes I felt as though I had known them all for a lifetime which was very heartwarming. I can't thank them enough for making my day, it felt quiet surreal. I really am looking forward to getting back to myself before the final."

Darcey added: "I truly believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason, I believe in the butterfly effect and I know that I was meant to be sat having a cuppa with the Miss World team this morning. I am grateful that I have the final to look forward to, something to keep me going. A very special thank you to @paulaabbandonato for being such a positive light in my life, I'm so lucky to have you around during these times."

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/miss-wales-shares-first-picture-8088292