Miss Wales Darcey Corria has shared a photo from hospital where she is receiving treatment after breaking her neck, jaw and pelvis in a horrific motorway crash. On Friday, January 27, the reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska visited Darcey in hospital after the devastating M4 accident last week.
The Polish beauty queen was also joined by the chair of the Miss World Organisation, Julia Morley. The pair spent time with the 21-year-old who was seriously injured in the incident near Bridgend last Thursday. Darcey said: “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. To get the latest Welsh news straight to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter, here.
Darcey, of Barry, 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 greatful 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 truely 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 greatful 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."
Darcey 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. The M4 eastbound was completely closed for more than three hours on Thursday, January 19, as emergency services teams attended the scene between junction 36 Sarn Services and junction 35 Pencoed.
The crash took place just four months before Darcey is due to represent Wales at the Miss World competition in May, after becoming the first person of colour to win the title of Miss Wales last year in the competition's 70-year history. During her recovery, the Miss World hopeful has received messages of support from all around the world including The Philippines, Vietnam, the USA and Brazil.
A fundraising page has been set up to support Darcey which has so far raised £505. Ms 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."
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