Miss Wales Darcey Corria has issued a heartfelt "thank you" to well-wishers from her hospital bed after breaking her neck, jaw and pelvis in a horrific motorway crash
Darcey, 21, has had blood transfusions at the University Hospital of Wales and is described as being "stable and improving slowly but steadily every day" after the collision on the M4 motorway near Bridgend. The road was closed for more than three hours after the crash.
Miss World hopeful Darcey, of Barry, has received messages of support from all around the world including The Philippines, Vietnam, the USA and Brazil. Her family said the messages had meant a great deal to them.
Read more: Dozens of youths rampage Welsh city causing chaos
Darcey has now posted a message of her own to thank "every single person" who has sent her well-wishes and says she is focussing on getting better "as soon as possible."
In a message to fans, Darcey wrote: "Just a quick post to thank every single person who has taken the time out of their day to wish me well and send their love, it truly means the world to me so thank you very much. I am trying to stay off of my phone so that I can heal and get better asap so please don’t think I’m ignoring your kind messages. Thank you all."
A fundraising page has been set up to support Darcey which has so far raised £380. Miss Wales organiser Paula Abbandonato said: "The last few days have been so difficult for Darcey’s family and all those who love and care for her. I’ve had so many people get in touch asking how they can help or support... Darcey is a fighter and she knows we are behind her all the way."
The crash took place just four months before Darcey is due to represent Wales at the at Miss World competition in May. She became the first person of colour to win the title of Miss Wales last year in the competition's 70-year history.
Darcey is a black rights advocate and has volunteered for Race Equality First to help people integrate into the community through health and fitness.
A spokeswoman for Miss Wales said: "Darcey is receiving much love and support from her close family who have been reassured that she is expected to make a full recovery.
"While the accident will have an immediate impact on Darcey’s preparation for Miss World in May, we are hopeful and confident that she will still be able to fly the flag for Wales thanks to her own personal determination, the love and support of her family and the incredible team of medics at UHW."
The M4 eastbound was completely closed for more than three hours as emergency services teams worked at the scene between junction 36 Sarn Services and junction 35 Pencoed.
A statement from South Wales Police said the motorway was completely while "investigations have been continuing."
Read next:
- Ex-footballer attacked man in Cardiff nightclub after touching woman
- American fast food chain Popeyes to open first Welsh branch in Cardiff city centre
- The frozen in time house that will take some of you right back to your childhood
- The Titanic-themed dining experience that's coming to a Cardiff venue
- The homes you could buy in Cardiff for the city's new average house price of £305,000
