At 19, Catrin Pugh was making plans for her life when a tragic event changed everything. In April 2013, after vacationing in the French Alps, the bus she was on crashed. Catrin suffered burns on 96% of her body, and doctors gave her just a 1% chance of survival.

Catrin Pugh, born and raised in North Wales, UK, was a typical teenager with a passion for travel and adventure. On a bright spring day in April 2013, she boarded a coach heading back to Britain after the ski season had ended in the French Alps. The route was notorious for its steep descent, featuring 21 challenging hairpin bends. As they navigated the 20th bend, Catrin’s tranquility was shattered when she overheard the driver quietly say, “I’ve got no brakes!” Panic ensued.

“I could see the drop in front of us and then the driver turned the wheel in time — which is why we’re still here,” says Catrin. However, they collided with the rocks on the opposite side of the bend. The driver, Maurice Wrightson, was the only fatality among the 52 people aboard. He was later posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for his actions.

Pugh was trapped in the burning bus and suffered extensive burns to her face, arms, legs, and torso. She was airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, France, where doctors gave her a 1% chance of survival. Only the soles of her feet and a few patches on her scalp were untouched by the fire.

Despite the odds, Pugh fought on. She underwent over 200 surgeries and countless hours of painful rehabilitation. Slowly but surely, she began to recover. Today, she is proud to call herself a burn survivor and is passionate about helping others who have experienced similar trauma.

She has also become an advocate for burn survivors, working with charities and organizations to raise awareness about the physical and emotional challenges faced by those who have suffered burns. Her efforts have helped to improve the lives of countless people, and her message of hope has touched the hearts of millions.

Additionally, she is the face of the beauty brand Avon and has even modeled at London Fashion Week for a charity that supports people who “look different.”

Catrin Pugh’s remarkable story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, she refused to give up and instead found the strength to overcome her injuries and build a new life for herself.