She sustained burns over 96% of her body, with doctors giving her only a 1% chance of survival—a miracle she almost didn’t get.
A Tragic Turning Point
Catrin, born and raised in North Wales, UK, was an adventurous teenager who loved traveling. In April 2013, as the ski season ended, she boarded a coach in the French Alps to return to Britain. The route, infamous for its steep descent and 21 sharp hairpin bends, became the setting of a tragedy. Nearing the 20th bend, Catrin heard the driver mutter, “I’ve got no brakes!” Moments later, panic erupted as the bus began freewheeling out of control.
“You could feel the bus soaring,” Catrin recalls. “People were screaming, breaking windows, and jumping out.” She thought of her parents, apologizing in her mind: “I’m so sorry, Mum and Dad.” In a final act of bravery, the driver swerved the bus into a rock face, saving dozens of lives. Tragically, he was the sole fatality among the 52 passengers and was later awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery posthumously.
A Long Road to Recovery
Trapped in the fiery wreckage, Catrin suffered severe burns to her face, arms, legs, and torso—leaving only the soles of her feet and a few patches of scalp unscathed. Airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, she faced almost impossible odds. With no skin to protect her from infection, she underwent over 200 surgeries, including skin grafts using tissue from her scalp, which was harvested repeatedly. Her mother and brother even donated their skin, enduring their own hospital stays to help save her life.
Despite the excruciating pain, Catrin remained determined. Through years of rehabilitation, she reclaimed her life, embracing her identity as a burn survivor and dedicating herself to helping others.
Turning Adversity Into Triumph
Today, Catrin is a physiotherapist and motivational speaker, inspiring people worldwide with her story.
“My goal is to show that life after trauma can still be fulfilling and positive,” she says.
An Unyielding Spirit
Catrin’s resilience is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most harrowing challenges. Her journey, filled with pain and triumph, inspires us to appreciate life’s gifts and find strength in the face of adversity. As she reflects, “I hope people see me and realize that while the road isn’t always simple, the future can still be bright.”
