Debbie van
der Putten

The story

Debbie grew up in Helmond, a city in the Netherlands that is more like a village where everyone knows everyone else. She lives with her mum, dad, sister and their pet dog.

At nineteen years old and on her way to party on the beaches of Spain, she was in a terrible bus accident. As a result, she lost her right arm, which she says was lucky because she's actually left-handed.

At the time, Debbie was a typical teenager with a boyfriend, a gaggle of mates, and a penchant for clothes. Not much has changed then, since she still enjoys shopping, movies, and dressing up for a girls' night out.

Okay, so there were some downsides: mum became even more protective of her than before, and she had to give up breakdancing. But Debbie evens the score by modelling. She finds the catwalk cathartic, and photo shoots boost her self-esteem.

Debbie has a glam job travelling the world to research disability-friendly holidays. Though single, she did meet a nice Norwich lad during a recent trip to South Africa.

The skills

Debbie has modelled for disabled groups, charities, and awareness campaigns. She participated in Miss Ability 2007 and has posed nude for Playboy.

Debbie once worked for a German modelling agency, but she decided to leave when they began hiring able-bodied girls to sit in wheelchairs.

The attitude

• Extrovert - Debbie loved posing for Playboy, and she's always first on the dancefloor.

• Rebellious - A week after her accident, Debbie put on a tank top and hit the shops as a way to get used to people's reactions.

• Coquettish - Debbie says that her disability hasn't affected her ability to get dates. Instead, it's an instant ice-breaker for boys to start chatting her up.

• Spontaneous - Debbie went to watch her sister get a tattoo and returned with her own tongue piercing.