Katie Piper is a beautiful young woman, rebuilding her life after surviving a brutal attack in 2008, where sulphuric acid was thrown in her face.

Katie spent seven weeks in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, before starting a two year stint where she wore a special plastic pressure mask for 23 hours of every day. Prior to the attack, Katie was a model and budding TV presenter with a hectic social life and a glowing future in the public eye.  The attack ruined Katie from the inside out. Like many, she believed her life was over now that she was a ‘burns victim’.

Following pioneering surgery, led by Mr Mohammad Jawad FRCS, Katie was referred to Centre Ster in Lamalou-les-Bains, a specialist rehabilitation centre in France.  This centre had a remarkable impact on her recovery, both mentally and physically.  It was here, whilst interacting with other burns survivors, that she made the most progress in regaining control of her life.

“I am proof that disfigurement doesn’t have to destroy lives”

Katie also began to research and was introduced to additional practical support, such as camouflage make-up, lasering and medical tattooing.

After over 70 operations, and countless treatments and therapies, Katie still faces many personal challenges.  Katie has made amazing progress. Relying heavily on her family and friends, and thanks to the outstanding treatment she received in France, alongside her own incredible determination, she no longer feels that her burns define her.

“I’m happy with who I am and I’ve learnt it’s ok to live with disfigurement, and that scars don’t mean I am unattractive.”

In 2009 Katie made the big decision to share her story in a remarkable film for Channel 4, Katie: My Beautiful Face. From CCTV footage of the attack to the day she first steps out of her parents’ house alone, Katie takes you through the daily ordeal of rebuilding her life, the pioneering treatments that helped save her and the effects on both her and her family.

Since then her achievements have only climbed, from talking on television and radio around the world to setting up the Katie Piper Foundation.  Earlier in 2011, Katie released her memoirs, Beautiful. And a second Channel 4 collaboration sees My Beautiful Friends being aired in March 2011.

The response to Katie’s story has been overwhelming and, by telling it, she hopes to increase awareness and support burn victims by sharing information about the kind of rehab she had and her experiences in getting to where she is today.