Catrin Pugh
Speaker I Advocate I Model I Content Creator
About Catrin
Catrin works across speaking, media, and campaigns - using her lived experience to create conversations that challenge perceptions and connect with audiences.
Catrin Pugh is an inspirational speaker, visible difference advocate, model, and content creator whose life changed at 19 after surviving a catastrophic coach crash while working in the French Alps.
She sustained burns to 96% of her body - making her one of the only adults in the world to survive injuries of this extent.
Following months in intensive care and years of rehabilitation, Catrin rebuilt her life - learning to walk again, use her hands, and adapt to living with a visible difference, visual impairment, and limb difference.
Her recovery journey has now spanned over a decade and continues today.Rather than being defined by what happened, Catrin has shaped a career rooted in purpose, impact, and lived experience.
Inspired by the people who supported her recovery, she returned to education - going on to study Physiotherapy at King’s College London despite being told she would never be able to pursue that path. She graduated with a First Class Honours degree and later worked as a Physiotherapist with The Katie Piper Foundation, supporting others navigating life after burns and trauma.
Alongside this, she has spent over 13 years as an ambassador for multiple charities including The Katie Piper Foundation & Changing Faces, using her platform to challenge perceptions and advocate for people living with visible differences.
Career Highlights
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International speaker delivering talks across corporate, education, and global conference environments
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Featured across major media including BBC, ITV, and flagship programmes such as This Morning, Lorraine, and BBC Breakfast
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Featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Reader’s Digest, and international press
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Collaborated with global brands including Avon, and featured at London Fashion Week
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Advised on books and television storylines, bringing expertise in disability and visible difference representation
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Award-winning advocate, including Welsh Woman of the Year and Inspire Award for Education
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Ambassador for Changing Faces and The Katie Piper Foundation (13+ years)
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Background in healthcare as a Physiotherapist specialising in burns and rehabilitation
Today, Catrin works across speaking, media, campaigns, and advocacy - using her lived experience to create meaningful conversations, challenge perceptions, and improve representation for people with visible differences and disabilities.
Whether on stage, in the media, or through brand collaborations, her work is grounded in honesty, warmth, and real-world perspective.