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Katie’s answers to some frequently asked questions… This is Katie’s personal experience, this cannot be taken as medical or professional advice.

How did people react towards you in the beginning and how did you deal with it?
People were cruel. They judged me on my appearance, which made me feel like less of a person. I felt really bad so I hid away and cried. The first few times really knocked me back and I didn’t want to leave the house because I took it personally.

How do people initially react to you now?
People are sometimes shocked, sometimes they’re inquisitive.

What would you tell someone in that situation now?
I would tell them that most of the time those people are not intentionally cruel, they’re uneducated and they’re seeing something they aren’t used to seeing because there isn’t enough awareness. This Foundation is going to change that. And sometimes as hard as it is, you have to reach inside yourself and turn around and smile at those people. If they don’t smile back it doesn’t matter. There is no point in fighting unkindness with more unkindness. Try and make them see you are a person and you do have feelings.

How did you view beauty before the attack and how do you view it now?
For me, beauty used to be about the best figure and looking the prettiest when I walked into a room. Now I’ve realised that is only surface beauty. I feel more beautiful and confident by surrounding myself with people that believe in me and encourage me. That rubs off on you and so you begin to believe in yourself again. Now when I feel down, I tell myself I have loads going for me and I feel attractive.

Do you still feel down, do you still have bad days?
Yes I still have bad days when I feel unconfident. When I do, I tell myself it’s normal because everyone has bad days!

Other than the scar management clinic, what was your routine?
Everybody’s skin and scars are different but everybody can be committed. I made sure I massaged my affected areas four times a day, every day, for an hour each time.

Aside from your psychologist, what practical things did you do to help you mentally?
I kept two diaries: a photographic one and a written one. The photographic diary helped me remember where I’d come from and how much progress I’d made. The written one was where I wrote about how I was feeling. Writing things down was cathartic. It really helped me to process my emotions and put things in perspective.

How much did you wear the pressure garments and was it worth it?
When I first found out I had to wear the pressure garments for two years, I was devastated because it sounded like an eternity. But I decided I wanted to do everything I could to heal my scars, so I wore them every single day for 24 hours a day, only removing them to massage. Believe it or not, I got use to them quite quickly and I actually found them really comfortable. They also made sleeping easier! Wearing the pressure garments really paid off, and I would definitely recommend sticking with them as long as you are prescribed to.

What kind of skin products did you use?
I made sure I only used non-perfumed products that were heavy in moisture, even to shower. That way my skin didn’t dry out or have any bad reactions. I also used scar gel 4 times a day after massaging along with silicone sheets under the pressure garments.

Can you sunbathe?
I used to be really into tanning but now I stay out of the sun as much as I can and I never sunbathe. Nothing is more important to me than staying healthy and looking after my skin, and we all know sunbathing is dangerous. Now I always wear factor 50 when I leave the house.

Were you able to wear makeup?
I wanted to keep the mask on as much as possible to get the best results so I was really strict and I didn’t wear any makeup until the very end of my mask wearing period, when parts of my face had stabilised. Even then it was only for special occasions.

What makeup products do you use now?
When I stopped wearing the mask I experimented with nearly every different kind of camouflage makeup and regular makeup brands. My skin and face is constantly changing so I change my makeup and face products a lot.

Is it different putting makeup on now?
Yes. At first I was rubbish at doing my makeup and I found it really hard not to get disheartened when I messed it up. But it’s like anything; the more I practiced the better I got and I like to think I’m pretty good now.

What did you do to feel better when you couldn’t face yourself?
When I lost a lot of my hair I wore hair pieces and pretty clips to help me feel more confident. When I couldn’t put any makeup or products on my face I would wear my favourite nail polish instead or put on a bright pair of shoes to lift my mood. Clothes became my way of expressing myself even more than before.

There were times when I hated parts of myself. I hated the scars and the loss of the control over how I looked. But I always tried to keep positive and work on the parts I could control, to accentuate my best bits. We all have parts of ourselves that we like more than others, whether it’s your hair, your great sense of humour or your long legs. I tried to look at what still I had and not what I had lost.

Did you find psychological counselling helpful?
At first I felt angry and stupid and I hated seeing someone. But I had a lot of psychological help from a great burns psychologist called Lisa at my hospital. I saw her regularly and she was a really important part of my recovery. Talking really helped me: not just with coming to terms with my disfigurement but also with the rape and with other issues like feeling unable to leave the house.

What did you do to keep yourself occupied when you could’n’t leave the house?
I was very lucky with my family because I was able to talk to them a lot and sometimes shout at them! They stuck with me and we all helped each other. We used to watch a lot of DVD comedy box sets, it helped lift our spirits and things always felt better when we were laughing. Don’t get me wrong, there were days when I would sit and look at my old modelling book and cry, but I soon stopped that and realised I was a person who wanted to move forward, not mourn the loss of something that was never going to return. Watching TV was hard for me as I was unable to watch or hear anybody shouting without panicking and crying and absolutely couldn’t watch any sex or violent scenes, so I prefer to watch DVDs as what the content would be. I also read a lot of books, and when I did start to leave the house I started going to church – it’s a personal choice, but I found that having a faith really helped me.

Back to Fundraise

A

Auction of promises

Recruit your friends to offer their time and services up for auction. Think babysitter, car cleaner, 30 minute back & neck rub, chauffeur for the day, full house spring clean, personal grocery shopper, errand runner, gardener – everyone will have something they can offer so the list is endless! Be sure to advertise well in advance and if you can’t get a professional auctioneer, be sure to choose a good public speaker.

B

Bring and buy

As they say ‘one man’s junk is another man’s gold’. Get everyone at work to bring in a few nice bits or bobs – you’ll be surprised what you discover if you have a good dig in your cupboards or attic. You’re probably selling something you forgot you even had, maybe finding a bargain that you really quite fancy, plus donating the money to charity, so everyone wins!

Book sale

Good books should be read and passed on to spread the word. Get your friends and relatives to clear out their book shelves and donate the books to you to sell. You can sell them online, or make a book box at the office and either sell or loan them for a fee.

C

Car boot sale

Have a spring clean! Join your nearest car boot sale and sell your old furniture, unwanted gifts and clothes.

Clothes swap

We all get tired of our same old wardrobe. Why not host a clothes swap and get your friends to bring and buy with the money going to your cause. You could also supply drinks and snacks for a small donation.

D

Dress up or down day

A change of clothes is always refreshing. Hold a dress up or dress down day at work or school and charge a fee for wearing smart or casual clothes – the opposite of whatever your norm is.

Dinner Club

Start your own supper club and ask your friends to donate what they think their dinner’s worth! You get a good night in with your mates, while showing off your culinary skills and helping a good cause.

Donate in lieu

If you’re feeling really selfless on a special occasion – your birthday, wedding or at Christmas, set up an online fundraising page like ‘Just Giving’ and ask your friends to donate to us instead of giving you a gift. Your gift will be the reward of helping others in need.

E

Eighties night

Dress up is always a winner for a guaranteed fun night. Why not host an 80’s night and ask your guests to make a donation for their blast from the past experience.

eBay

If you’re into online shopping, why not get into online selling too? Register yourself on eBay or another auction site and auction off any unwanted items you, your family and your colleagues may have to offer. You wouldn’t believe the things people are looking to buy out there – anything and everything!

F

Fun run

Create your own fun run. To spice things up do the run in an entertaining outfit, choose an unusual route, or pick a personally challenging distance. Anything above the average run around the block should inspire people to sponsor you. You’ll be admired for your effort whilst getting good exercise helping a really good cause.

G

Guessing game

Fill a jar with small sweets and charge people to guess how many sweets there are. Of course, the closest guess wins the jar… what a treat!

H

Hula Hooping

Get involved in a local fete or festival with some hula hoop fun. People can place bets on how long you can hula for, or provide a few hoops and let people contribute to have a go. It’s a good laugh for a good cause.

Honesty box

Set up a box at work and get people to drop in a coin whenever they slip up with something – swearing, a naughty lunch-hour shopping spree, or a sneaky junk-food treat.

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I

International Evening

Host a country-themed gathering for your friends. Have native food, music and drinks. You can also offer a few interesting facts about your chosen country, get people to dress up, or speak with an accent. You’ll have a great laugh and maybe learn a few new facts too.

J

Jumble sale

Have an early spring clear-out and sell all your unwanted clothes and household items. Put signs up in your neighbourhood, slip a note under people’s doors and set up a table in the street outside your house.

K

Karaoke night

This is a great evening to host at home with a games console. Charge each person/team an entry fee and have a battle to see who gets the loudest cheers, or divide the night up into themed rounds and get the losing team of each round to make a donation. Think categories like golden oldies, 80’s pop, disco queen, rock n roll, or even classical opera!

L

Lucky dip

Ask your company or your parent’s workplace to sponsor a tempting hamper of sorts and raffle it off in a lucky dip. The more luxurious the hamper the more expensive the tickets, or the cheaper the tickets the more numbers each person can buy!

Lingerie party

Many lingerie suppliers will host a private party at your house. Have a giggle and treat yourself to something sassy to wear. Your friends can make a small donation to you for hosting the evening.

M

Match giving

Many employers are happy to help you out when it comes to charity. Ask if they can match whatever you raise and see your fundraising total double!

Murder Mystery evening

This is fantastic fun and you can find them online or in shops. Ask your friends and family to donate in return for a mysterious evening!

N

Nearly New Sale

Also known as a ‘posh jumble sale’, this is a great one for things like evening dresses and designer labels. Be selective about what people can bring to sell – only pick items that are nearly new and in great condition.

Naughty but nice

Challenge your friends or colleagues to a bake-off and sell your delicious produce for a good cause.
 

O

Odd jobs

Advertise your services for helping out with odd jobs, like the odd bit of gardening or helping an elder with their errands. To advertise you could send an email round the office, put a notice on the local supermarket board, or visit your neighbours door-to-door.

P

Pamper party

Get your home manicure and facial kits out, provide some yummy food treats and have the girls round for a pamper session. Put on an old romantic film and kick back. While you’re treating yourselves your friends won’t mind a small donation towards much needed treatments for those in need.

Q

Quiz night

Become Quiz Master and create your own general knowledge quiz. Get your peers or colleagues to make teams and book an area in your local pub or hall. For children you can host a junior trivia challenge instead. People will donate to join and you’re guaranteed a fun time. You could ask local businesses to sponsor a small prize too.

 

R

Recycle

Recycle cans for money! Some places will give you up to a penny a can. Get your friends, family and neighbours to save their empties for you. Not only charitable but good for the environment too.

Raffle

Raffles are great for raising funds and increasing awareness on a slim budget. Encourage friends, family and neighbours to donate items to be raffled off. They need not be physical things; people might donate a few hours of their time, or a particular skill that they have.

S

Sponsored silence

As they say, silence is golden. See if you and your friends can manage a whole day in silence, and don’t forget the sponsoring bit!

Swimathon

This is great for adults and children. Ask people to sponsor you per lap or mile, depending on how strong a swimmer you are!

Street Collection

Contact us for branded tins and buckets for a street or tube station collection. Just remember to get a permit from your local council first.

T

Talent show

Hold a talent show with your friends or colleagues. Sing a song, read a poem, do some magic, play an instrument… everyone can get involved, especially for a good cause.

Tupperware party

Many Tupperware companies will host a private party at your house. Have your friends round and treat yourself to something that makes domestic duties easier! Your friends can make a donation to you for hosting the evening.

U

Unwanted Gifts

There’s no need for gifts that aren’t quite ‘you’ to go to waste. Ask your friends for any unwanted Christmas or birthday gifts and sell them online or use them as prizes to host a raffle or quiz.

V

Valentines Party

Host a candlelit evening for all your single friends and perhaps do a bit of match making while you’re at it! Or, host an anti-valentine party on Valentine’s Day! Ask your guests to pay an entrance fee.

W

Wine tasting

Indulge your cultural side with an evening of fine wines, and of course the cheese to match! You can buy in bulk then ask your friends to pay a contribution, which is more than your costs.

X

X-Factor Party

Ask some guests to come as their favourite contestant and a few as the judges. Have a laugh imitating the stars in an X-Factor style sing-off.

Y

Yes day

Put smiles on faces wherever you go for a day by saying ‘yes’ to people’s requests (within reason of course!). When someone’s wish has been your command, ask for a donation. Please contact us if you’d like a collection tin or bucket.

Z

Zany dress day

Charge people at work or school to come in fancy or zany dress! Get people in the spirit by sticking up posters of clowns and other easy fancy dress outfits.

Zumba workout

Bond with your mates over a private Zumba workout. You could speak to the teacher about a reduced charitable rate or ask your friends to contribute more than the cost of the lesson.

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