A model who lost her foot, and almost her life, after being hit by a a moving train earlier this year is hoping to inspire others to look positively at life having come back from her own dark place.
Katie Woods, 22, from Co Clare, is currently vying for the title of Miss Limerick and Miss Clare, but just a few short months ago she was on life support having broken her spine, almost every bone in her body and having her foot amputated.
While she is now walking the catwalk, it had been feared she would never walk again.
Katie believes that speaking out about her own struggles with mental health may give others encouragement to seek help.
She also wants to promote greater inclusivity for people with disabilities saying, “everyone of us is a human being and we are all incredibly gifted in so many ways.”
Katie has had issues with mental health since primary school where she was targeted by bullies.
She found herself in an “incredibly bad place” late last year, and on March 8 she stepped in front of a moving train with the intention of taking her own life.
Miraculously she survived and she was put on life support, with her family not knowing if she would make it through the night.
When she eventually woke from a coma and discovered the extent of her injuries she admits she “broke”.
“I didn’t think I’d ever walk again, model again, even smile again.”
She recalls, “I’d broken most of my bones and part of my foot. I had to have my foot fully amputated. I’d a broken spine and nobody know if I’d ever walk again. I’d done severe damage to my face and mouth.”
But, as time passed she regained her strength, and she was given positive news which had a profound effect.
She was further encouraged by her ambition to once again get back to modelling.
She has since gone on to complete a number of photoshoots and later this month she will realise her dream to compete for the title of Miss Limerick and Miss Clare.
“I have struggled with my mental health and as an amputee I have a physical disability. But I also have dreams.
"I entered Miss Limerick in the hope of showing others that they can do whatever they put their mind to, no matter what their circumstances are.
“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean that you can’t be included. Inclusion is such an important aspect of this life and I hope I can show others that no matter what anyone says about you, if you believe in yourself you have something.”
