What’s Happening
This is where you can find information on what we’re up to and what generous others are doing to support us. If you’re planning an event or partaking in something to help us, please get in touch. We’d love to add your news here. You can also download our foundation logo by clicking this link: TheKatiePiperFoundation_logo
New Documentary
Channel 4 Tuesday 7th February at 9pm
Katie says “I am excited to announce that I have been filming a new documentary which is going to be shown on Channel 4 next week (Tues 7th February at 9pm). It is entitled Katie: The Science of Seeing Again and it shows me having my 110th op, using controversial cutting-edge science, which could truly transform my life, providing me with my only chance of seeing again through my badly damaged left eye.
After spending three and a half years struggling to accept that I would forever be blind in one eye, I heard about pioneering surgery that could potentially restore my sight using the extraordinary power of stem cells. I tracked down the doctor responsible for it and have put myself forward to be one of the few people in the world to undergo the treatment, which entails transplanting stem cells directly into my eye.
I hope that you find the programme as interesting to watch as it was for me to film!”
Upcoming: Bath Half Marathon 2012
Date: 11th March 2012
Team Touch, comprising 13 hardy runners (several unavailable for the photo shoot), have decided to start the new year with a bang and have either begrudgingly or been peer pressured into signing up for the Bath Half Marathon in March! Through a friend we are connected with Katie, and thought what better way to make the run much more meaningful for us all by raising awareness and money for the Katie Piper Foundation. With a mix of running experience, with a few having done them before to several being their first time, we all have our own goals for the race but share the same target to raise at least £2000 to support the Foundation.
Training got underway back in November and will peak in February! A few injuries and moans here and there haven’t stopped everyone getting out and training, fingers crossed the team competition on the day may have a KPF winner! We would like to thank everyone for the support so far!”
If you would like to support Team Touch please visit here.
Upcoming: English Hair and Beauty Awards
Date: 26th February 2012
Location: Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester
The Katie Piper Foundation is the charity partner for the English Hair and Beauty Awards to be held in February.
The evening, which will recognise the very best in the English Hair and Beauty industry, will also be a fundraiser and the Foundation hopes that many thousands of pounds are raised on the night.
For more information click here for the press release.
Upcoming: Andover Lights Concert
Date: 12th February 2012
Location: Andover
Following 2 sell-out concerts in 2010 and 2011, Mark T Lazenby and Maureen Faill are pleased to present in association with Andover Carnival their 2012 concert in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation. Joined once again by Iris Anderson and Alun Grace the evening will showcase 4 talented young singers from Andover, the home town of Katie Piper. Taking place just a few days before Valentines day on February 12th the concert entitled The Rose With Love From Katie & Friends will be staged at The Lights Theatre and is promised to be a mix of romantic comedy, music and dance.
And we are thrilled to announce that new boy band, FTW, will be performing – see below for more information.
Tickets are now available from The Lights Theatre Box Office 01264 368468 or via their website www.thelights.org.uk.
Click below to view the full PDF invite:
FTW – www.ftwofficial.com
FTW – the UK’s number 1 new boy band.
Following smash hit performances to over 100,000 people during a recent promotional tour, FTW are now preparing to take the music industry by storm when they release their highly anticipated debut single ‘Love Shot’ on 1st April 2012.
Fusing all the elements of the classic boy band with an edgy dance~pop sound; Callum, Jake, Kyle & Tom have been wowing aud…iences following their launch last summer. Since then FTW have appeared alongside Example, Alexandra Burke, Booty Luv, Mutya Buena and a number of X Factor finalists at radio roadshows, nightclubs and venues across UK and Europe. The group has also been in the studio co-writing tracks for their album with a top production team whose credits include Sugababes, Danni Minogue and All Saints, set to be released later this year.
In a market saturated with new boy bands, FTW offers something different – injecting fun and huge personalities into everything they do. With bookings well into next year, sponsorship endorsements and national media interest, there’s only one boy band you need to remember in 2012.
Upcoming: The Soulful Concert
Date: 8th February 2012
Location:
Katie Piper Foundation is to benefit, alongside RAFT, from monies raised at a choral concert being organised by Sister Snog – one of London’s leading business clubs for women who mean business.
The Soulful Concert at St Brides promises to be an unforgettable evening of haunting melodies and heavenly harmonies. All are welcome.
Tickets cost £30 + VAT for the concert, or £50 + VAT for a pre-concert VIP reception at Lutyens and the concert.
Doors open at 7pm and the concert will start at 7.30pm. The VIP reception will start at 6.45pm. The evening will finish at 9pm.
The Sisters of Soul (Sister Snogs very own choir) will be joined by All the Kings Men, the London Gay Men’s Chorus and Eden Voices, who recently released a cover of True Colours featuring our very own Ambassador, Adele.
Buy your tickets today from http://bit.ly/ty7luO.
Artist, Ju Gosling invites The Katie Piper Foundation to a private view of her ‘Abnormal’ Exhibition
Date: 9th January 2012
Location: Hunterian Museum
“What a thought provoking exhibition! It was great to have an opportunity to get together with our friends and supporters under this interesting umbrella. Thank you to Ju and also to Jane & the team at the Hunterian Museum for making this possible.”
— Katie x
Abnormal: Towards a Scientific Model of Disability by Ju Gosling aka ju90
Until Saturday 14 January 2012
Qvist Gallery, Hunterian Museum at the Royal college of Surgeons (Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Free)
Using digital imagery and installation, the artist Ju Gosling aka ju90 explores the cultural construction of disability via society’s (mis)interpretation of science and medicine. The tour climaxes at the Hunterian, and includes an installation made especially for the museum.
The Hunterian Museum at the Royal college of Surgeons
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Free.
The Hunterian Museum collections, brought together over four centuries by a cast of colourful characters including John Hunter (1728-1793), are a fascinating mix of comparative anatomy and pathology specimens; complete skeletons, bones, skulls and teeth; dried preparations, corrosion casts and wax teaching models; historical surgical and dental instruments together with modern surgical instruments and technologies; as well as paintings, drawings and sculpture. It has recently undergone a £3.2 million refurbishment to create a publicly accessible museum that encourages visitors to explore the scientific, cultural and historical importance of the museum collections.
Katie Piper Foundation December Newsletter
Date: 22nd December 2011
Location: KPF HQ
Click here to download our latest newsletter. If you want to receive this directly then sign up here (bottom of the page).
Carol Singers Fundraiser
Date: 17th December 2011
Location: Andover
Two and a Half Sopranos – Libbie, Emma and Jenny Noakes – were delighted to be asked by top local KPF fundraiser, Iris Anderson, to contribute to the festive atmosphere at the Andover Garden Centre on Saturday 17 December as well as helping to raise funds for the Foundation, by singing carols and Christmas songs together in the restaurant for an hour and a half. All three have performed separately on many occasions but this was one of only a few chances to sing together – a real treat! Nearly £50 was raised on the day. Thank you to all who donated.
KPF Christmas Lunch
Date: 13th December 2011
Location: KPF HQ
“‘It was great for KPF Staff, Trustees & volunteers to get together for our Christmas lunch! I’d just like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all who dedicated time and effort to the Katie Piper Foundation last year. I feel very positive about 2012 and am sure that it will be a really exciting year for us…”
— Katie x
Adele Pope Launches True Colour Single for the Katie Piper Foundation
Date: 5th December 2011
Location: iTunes
Download link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/true-colours-single/id481977812
Click here for press coverage:
Adele Pope has performed a version of Billy Steinberg’s ‘True Colours’ to raise money for the Foundation. Backed by Eden Voices, an ensemble of some of the country’s finest female singers, the idea to record a single was masterminded by Eden Voices vocal coach Jai Ramage who taught Adele three years ago when she studied at Tring Park: School for the Performing Arts.
The single will be available to download from Monday, 5th December via iTunes and all proceeds will go to The Katie Piper Foundation. For pre-orders text ‘Track colours’ to 80818* and see behind-the-scenes footage from the recording day at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAZBGyXzg5M
Adele said “I feel so privileged to be a part of this project and I have loved every second of the recording process. My hope is that this single will make a difference in two ways – firstly to raise as much money as we can for the Katie Piper Foundation; secondly I hope that by downloading the single, the public will have a chance to show their support for the struggle that burns survivors and people with disfigurements have to face every day. That feeling of mass support and acceptance might even do some good on its own!”
Jai said, “After being incredibly moved watching Adele tell her story on Katie: My Beautiful Friends, I was motivated to support the Foundation. I suggested the idea of recording a charity single to my Eden Voices singers – the response I had from them was overwhelming – many of them have read Katie’s book, seen the programme and so were eager to get involved. It felt right that Adele should sing the song, being a great singer and an ambassador for the charity, everyone was so excited when she agreed!”
Katie Piper said: “I was absolutely thrilled that Eden Voices wanted to support the charity, and delighted our ambassador did a Solo on the song. When I watched the video I thought the choice of the song was so fitting. I found it extremely moving, as she’s a great singer, and it all fitted perfectly with the beautiful sound of the Eden Voices singers. It’s great to see so many people coming together to support the cause, I’m really proud of Adele and I hope people will support the charity by downloading the single.”
*Please note that the link is for pre sales only not for sales after release date.
Gumley House Convent School YPI
Date: 1st December 2011
Location: Isleworth
The Foundation was recently contacted by Maddie, Roisin and Stefanie, students at Gumley House Convent School in Isleworth, as they were keen to support the charity through the YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative). Up for grabs is a potential £3,000 donation from YPI to one local charity. The team of girls are preparing a presentation on the Foundation to present to their class on 1 December and we all wish them well in this. Lets hope that they get through to the semi-finals stage – and beyond! Helping them is one of the Foundation’s ambassadors, Kayleigh, who hopes to attend the next stage and – fingers crossed – see Maddie, Roisin and Stefanie win the £3,000 for the Katie Piper Foundation.
Pictured here is Stefanie, Maddie and Roisin kitted out in their KPF t-shirts!
Charity Ball
Date: Saturday 26th November 2011
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
A Charity Ball in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation was held at Salisbury Guildhall on Saturday 26th November. The black tie event included a three course meal, with amazing auction prizes including semi-final X Factor tickets, an iPad, Tiffany jewellery and lots more.
The event raised over £6,000 for the charity. Thanks to Lynne and Tammie for organising a fantastic event and all the sponsors and supporters for making it such a success.
Katie opens burns unit at Northern General Hospital, Sheffield
Date: 22nd November 2011
Katie opened a new burns unit in Sheffield on Tuesday 22nd November. The burns unit is one of the country’s leading centres of care for burns patients.
David Stone, of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud of the work it is doing in providing care for patients from Sheffield and across North Trent.”
“As a patient, burns care is something very close to my heart,” said Katie. “I wish the staff here every success for the future.”
AMI Awards
Date: 20th November 2011
Katie Piper Foundation Ambassadors Honoured at AMIs as Katie Piper Collects Award for My Beautiful Friends.
The accolade was awarded for helping build a more inclusive world for disabled people, The Ability Media International (AMI) award was presented to charity campaigner Katie Piper last night at a glittering ceremony at the world famous London Studios.
The AMI awards, created by Leonard Cheshire Disability in 2009, identify outstanding creative projects that encourage a more inclusive world for disabled and disadvantaged people. Heralded by the international panel of judges as a “highly engaging and moving series”, Katie, My Beautiful Friends won the ‘Features Award 2011′. The Channel 4 series follows Katie Piper, a model who was disfigured by an acid attack, as she sets out to help rebuild the confidence of people like her who are fighting for normality while living with a potentially devastating disfigurement.
Katie comments: “I want to thank the Ability Media International judges for this tremendous recognition and for their kind comments…It’s huge testament to Mentorn Media and Channel 4 that we made this series. Their support, belief and dedication to ensuring that people with disabilities and disfigurements are represented in British broadcasting is central to the series’ success…..But above all I want to thank the eight friends that I met during the making of the series, for their honesty, inspiration and for helping me understand further issues that people can face….Together, I believe, we can change perceptions in society in the long term and make people with disabilities and disfigurements feel accepted and included wherever they are.”
Charity Fashion Show
Date: 5th November 2011
Location: Taunton School Leisure Studies
On Saturday 5th November the Taunton School Leisure Studies U6th group held their Charity fashion Show as part of their Event Management module. It was a hugely successful evening, with over 200 pupils, staff and parents enjoying a drinks reception with “Made in Chelsea” star and ex pupil, Alexandra “Binky” Felstead, followed by the Fashion Show. The clothing was provided by local designer label Henry Hunt and modelled very professionally by students from the school. The show was to raise money for the Katie Piper Foundation, the charity set up by the ex model disfigured when she had acid thrown in her face. The Leisure Group chose to show a short video explaining the charity and what they do prior to the modelling starting. This was a poignant beginning to the evening. The finale piece was a beautiful vintage lace wedding dress designed by ex Head of Drama, Meryl Smart as part of her new design business “Vintage Smart”. All agreed that model Emily Powell-Jones looked stunning in this dress. The Leisure group (Frankie Petts, Rosie Grieve, Aurelia Games-Thomas and Aaron McGough) have raised a record breaking £1000 for the KPF and are happy and proud to be able to send this off.
Great South Run
Date: 31st October 2011
Location: Portsmouth
Well done to our Great South Run runners – Becky Stiles (www.justgiving.com/Becky-Stiles), Clare Malcolmson (www.justgiving.com/Clare-Malcolmson1), Lucy Clark (www.justgiving.com/lucygoosey) along with Amanda Bawn. Becky (1 hour 43 minutes) saw Clare and Lucy (2 hours 27 minutes) was beaten by Peppa Pig, a man on crutches and a baked bean tin but was proud to wear the KPF t-shirt. Our Great South Runners have pledged to run for the Foundation in 2012 – thanks everyone!
Birmingham Half Marathon
Date: 23rd October 2011
Location: Birmingham
Nicola Secker and Rachael Quinn, raising money for the Foundation by running the Half Marathon in Birmingham, managed to bump into each other during the run but it seems both were too tired to have a chat! But well done to you both. Rachael told KPF “I had the most fantastic time on the run, it was a real challenge but so worth it! I’m really pleased that I have managed to raise some funds for the foundation too and hopefully the figure might increase even further!” whilst Nicola managed to get herself on TV at the beginning of the race and said “it was such an amazing feeling when I passed that finish line, really overwhelming to feel like I’m hopefully making a difference.” Thank you to both Nicola and Rachael.
Wilkinson’s Store re-opens and makes a Donation
Date: 20th October 2011
Location: Andover
A huge thank you to Wilkinson’s who made a generous donation of £250 to the Foundation to celebrate the re-opening of their store in Andover. On hand was local Foundation fundraiser, Iris Anderson, to accept the cheque and cut the ribbon!
Amsterdam Marathon
Date: 17th October 2011
Location: Amsterdam
Congratulations to Kirstie Pottier who completed the Amsterdam Marathon on a beautiful clear sunny day in just 4 hours and 13 minutes. Kirstie enjoyed the experience so much that she is not only looking forward to her next race but the Katie Piper Foundation will be the charity of choice for her next run! If you would like to make a donation to Kirstie, her Just Giving page is http://www.justgiving.com/kirstiepottier
Make-up Workshop
Date: 8th October 2011
Location: London
Last month’s make up workshop was a great success. We were thrilled to work alongside Derma Blend Camouflage make-up to provide women with their correct foundation for their condition.
Lots of laughs, stories shared and new friends made, as usual.
We’re looking forward to seeing old and new faces at the next workshop.
- Katie
Visit to Oundle School
Date: 4th October 2011
Location: Oundle School, Kettering
On the 4th October Katie gave a talk to Oundle School about her experiences and recovery with particular emphasis on helping prospective medical students get an insight into the specialist recovery of burn’s victims. Not only was the room so full that people were sitting on the windowsills but over £250 was raised. Some Spectators who are running a half-marathon have now been inspired to run for her charity. They are well on their way to their £500 goal.
Windsor Half Marathon
Date: 25th September 2011
Location: Windsor
Sisters Katie and Gemma Colbourne contacted the Foundation back in March saying that after watching the documentaries, they were keen to fundraise for the charity by running a 10k or half marathon. They plumped for Windsor – and raised over £1300 in the process. Katie ran it in 2 hours 33 mins 46 secs – and Gemma in 2 hours 59 mins 54 secs. Katie said “We felt so proud on the day running it and no one else was running for Katie Piper so we felt very privileged!! Thanks so much for the T shirts. I think we raised quite a lot of awareness for you, I certainly hope so.” Well done Katie and Gemma – wonderful result.
New Forest Half Marathon
Date: 25th September 2011
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Chris Bowen thought the New Forest Half was ‘awesome’ – so much so that he is definitely going to sign up for another run shortly! Running with his housemate and friend Ed, they ended the Half Marathon with a sprint finish with the winning time being 1 hour and 47 minutes. Well done!
Psychic Fayre
Date: 24th September 2011
Location: Andover
A group of mediums and healers from Andover held a Psychic Fayre in the town’s White Hart Hotel in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation on 24th September. Roma, Jess, Paula and Iain spent a full day reading for visitors using Mediumship and Tarot cards. Kevin gave spiritual healing to many, whilst Caroline offered Reiki, reflexology and Indian Head Massage. Great feedback was received from the sitters for both healing sessions and the content of the readings, and a fabulous £511 was raised on the day. Caroline’s employers, “Simply Health”, bowled them away by adding £200 to the amount raised, which made a grand total of £711 for the Katie Piper Foundation. Thanks go to Robyn, Maria and Iris for ensuring the day ran so smoothly, and to Pete for tramping the streets of Andover wearing the sandwich board, helping to advertise the Fayre. A fantastic day was had by all.
Group Sponsored Cycle Challenge – update
Date: 11th – 16th September 2011
Location: Canal du Midi, SW France (Bordeaux to Sete)
The Cycle in France team have returned from their mammoth ride across the South West of France.
Marcus said “We had a great time in France – great cycling weather – and no major injuries or mechanical failures – just sore legs and bums – and trouble with our middle aged knees..!! We all enjoyed our 350 miles in 6 days along the Canal du Midi amidst beautiful scenery. We all made it from Bordeaux on the West coast to Sete on the South coast … and a few of us went to Lamalou to get a photo of us at the Centre Ster Clinic before we travelled home to Andover.”
The Cycle in France Team’s total sponsorship is likely to reach, if not exceed, a whopping £6,000. Thank you and well done to all involved.
Variety Show
Date: 8th September 2011
Location: Mostyn, North Wales
The Foundation is benefiting from a fantastic variety show to be held on 8th September at the Clocktower, Mostyn in Flintshire. It will be packed full of live entertainment, auctions and raffles. The event, which is for 18’s and overs only, is being organised by Foundation supporter and burns survivor Ceri Ann Pritchard. Tickets cost just £6 each and the bar will be open til midnight. Visit Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128748893875529 for more details. For ticket information, or to donate a raffle or auction prize, please contact Ceri Ann on ceriann1986@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Update: the evening was a fantastic success, with some great artists performing and everyone dancing and having a fabulous time. Ceri Ann succeeded in achieving her target of £2K.
Group Sponsored Cycle Challenge
Date: 11th – 16th September 2011
Location: Canal du Midi, SW France (Bordeaux to Sete)
Marcus Hardiman has organised this 300 mile cycle challenge in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation. The group is now 15 strong including 2 support crew and 1 infant!! 12 cyclists are currently training – the program of which has ramped up a bit during July and August – and more cyclists can join but if anyone else wants to join them now, they may need to have a good level of fitness!
Alongside Marcus there is David B, Duncan, Tony and Caroline (and infant Seb), Doug and Kim, Mark, Gary, David U, Bruce and Mari with Anne and Ian in support.
If you would like to talk to Marcus about joining in this cycle challenge and helping to raise funds for the Katie Piper Foundation, please email hardimanma@tiscali.co.uk
If you would like to sponsor one or all of the cyclists, please do so via these Just Giving pages:
http://www.justgiving.com/Marcus-Hardiman0
http://www.justgiving.com/CarolineMekky
http://www.justgiving.com/Duncan-Marfell
http://www.justgiving.com/Douglas-Henney
Models Fight Night
Date: 1st September 2011
Location: The HMV Forum, Highgate Road, London
Boxing and beauty join forces as the glamour modelling industry’s finest take to the ring for the long-anticipated Models Fight Night 2011.Sixteen professionally-trained beauties will contest eight physically gruelling bouts in a Clash of the Titans-themed night of entertainment to raise money for The Katie Piper Foundation.
The girls, who have appeared in magazines such as FHM, Nuts and Loaded and modelled for brands including Rimmel and FCUK, are currently undergoing an intensive training regime at London’s ‘The Boxing Clinic’ in preparation for the Big Fight. The girls will compete in a 2,000-seater auditorium in front of an audience that will include a whole host of stars from the worlds of sports and entertainment.
Berryland Films are filming the girls’ progress from preparation in the gym to fighting in the ring, for a documentary that will be broadcast on Sky Sumo TV and Lucky TV (Oct/Nov 2011), and will show the girls’ transformation, and reactions from the worlds of modelling and boxing as these glamorous newcomers fight to prove their boxing skills in the ring.
World-class entertainment will include Collette Morrow performing her aerial and silks act, World martial arts champion Rubie Planson performing a samurai sword display, alongside performers to be announced.
***STOP PRESS*** The DVD of the 2010 Fight Night is now on sale and can be purchased via PayPal for just £11.99 from www.modelsfightnight.co.uk.
Models Fight UK are not only donating a percentage of the sales from the Models Fight Night event on 1 September but also from both the 2010 DVD and 2011 DVD (when available) along with the calendar.
Hadrian’s 6in6 Marathon Event
Date: 8th – 13th August 2011
Location: Hadrian’s Wall
Two Carlisle men have overcome injury, appalling weather conditions, undulating terrain and flooding to accomplish a lifetime achievement. The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Barry Earp met Andrew Storey and David Graham before they started the final leg, from Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway, of their marathon event, running six half-marathons in six days along the Hadrian’s Wall path, a total of more than 84 miles. They have so far raised £1,320 having set off from Wallsend and finishing in Bowness-on-Solway just 6 days later.
David said: “Unfortunately I injured my knee on the first day but there was never any question of dropping out. I was determined to carry on and part of my challenge was to overcome my frustration of not being able to run, so I adapted my walking pace and times so that we both completed each leg at a similar time. I appreciated the encouragement from The Mayor of Carlisle and I was delighted that my knee had recovered enough to be able to run the last 14 miles on Saturday.” Andrew added ”Getting cold and wet is no fun at the best of times but these challenges are what define us. For the major part of the week, we were running or walking solo which wasn’t our original plan but just knowing that we were both in this together was a real source of inspiration. In the latter part of the week, it was a wonderful feeling to know that we were getting closer to home. We would like to thank everyone for all their support and good luck wishes, it really did make a difference.”
British 10K London Race
Date: 10th July 2011
Location: London
Jenny Stanton says “Less than a year ago the only thing I could run was a bath, but on July 10 I completed the British 10k London Run, raising more than £300 for The Katie Piper Foundation. Despite being an athlete in my early teens I was never a distance runner, but after reading Katie Piper’s story I realised I wanted to challenge myself and raise money for her cause.
I first heard about Katie on television and decided to read her book. I was unable to put it down and was truly inspired by her words.
At the time of signing up for the 10k I could run no more than 100 metres without having to stop for a breather, and on my first training session I thought I was being over ambitious. But on Saturday July 10 I completed the British 10k London Run with a big smile on my face, knowing I had raised a significant amount of money for a good cause.
I would not say it was easy, but the enthusiastic crowds spurred me on and the moment I heard the commentator say “The Katie Piper Foundation” through the speakers, I had the strength to sprint the final few hundred metres. Crossing the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life and I plan to complete more events for The Katie Piper Foundation. Katie inspired me to challenge myself, maybe she could have the same effect on you.”
Holme Pierrepoint 5K Grand Prix Race
Date: 5th July 2011
Location: Rushcliffe Country Park, Ruddington, Nottingham
Lisa Pitt and Hayley Stevenson have completed a 5K run. Although not an official charity run, Lisa and Hayley felt compelled to raise money for the Foundation. Thanks to some late donations, they have hit their target of £300. Lisa has just finished reading Katie’s book Beautiful, she said “What an inspiring read it is, had me in tears often but was amazing to see Katie’s sense of humour carried through the entire book. It certainly gave me a boost to run!”
JWC Masterclass
Date: 26th June 2011
Location: Fortismere Secondary School, Muswell Hill
Fitness business owner, Jane Wrafter watched Katie: My Beautiful Friends back in March and was inspired to organise a charity fitness masterclass in aid of the Foundation including 4 x 20 minute blocks of exercise with breaks and chat in between. The four 20 minute chunks were fun dance aerobics; zumba; circuits and pilates/yoga. Participants were able to mix and match or do them all!!
Some 90 people participated and a whopping £5,141.60 was raised, which included £165 from Jane’s Pampered Chef evening on 12 July. Sadly Mel C, patron for the event, was unable to attend but as the videos show, everyone had a great time.
Thanks to everyone who took part and helped raise a fantastic amount for the Katie Piper Foundation.
Bag Pack Day
Date: 23rd June 2011
Location: Warrington
£450 was raised on Thursday 23rd June after a Bag Pack day at Morrisons in Warrington, organised by Lisa Cooke. A big thank you to Sylvie, Alice, Hannah, Alex, Lauren, Steph, Jonathan and Niki; the staff at Morrisons who made them feel so welcome; and the customers for being so generous with their donations.
As part of the week’s fund raising drive, £140 was also raised from a street collection in Manchester and £81.40 from a car boot sale.
Henley on Thames Triathlon
Date: 19th June 2011
Location: Henley on Thames!
Katie Ward and Clare Coles, two mothers from Brentwood in Essex, have completed the Henley-on-Thames triathlon. This was their first triathlon and they were very proud to complete it in honour of the Katie Piper Foundation. They were both very inspired by Katie Piper’s personal story which they watched on the Channel 4 programme and decided they would like to raise money for this worthwhile cause. They began training in October 2010 and although it was hard work, they both felt it was well worth it and are very proud of themselves. They have raised in excess of £1,700 with Gift Aid for the Foundation. Thank you and well done!
Becky Hollands Aesthetics corporate donation
Date: 16th June 2011
Location: Drakes Hotel
After seeing Katie speak at a recent Q-Med Conference, Becky decided to support the Foundation through her business, Becky Hollands Aesthetics. To launch and promote the relationship, a reception at Drakes Hotel was organised where many of Becky’s clients were invited. Katie joined her on the night and was presented with a donation of £2,000. Thank you to Becky for this wonderful donation and we look forward to a long and successful relationship!
Paul’s Cycling Challenge
Date: 9th – 18th June 2011
Location: John O’Groats to Lands End
By the time we heard from Paul Vowden, after he had left John O’Groats, he had completed 203 miles in the first 2 days of his epic cycle ride and thankfully the weather was good (scenery fantastic!). Paul finished the ride after 930 miles 10 days later and has already raised nearly £500 for the Foundation.
Thanks Paul – and well done on cycling from one end of Britain to the other whilst raising such a lot of money!
Emily’s Mini Marathon
Date: 6th June 2011
Location: Dublin
Katie Piper Foundation Ambassador, Emily Savage, has raised nearly £600 by participating in and fundraising for the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon. She ran with friend Jacqui and both crossed the finishing line to collect their mini medals. Well done Emily and Jacqui!
Froctastic Fashion Show and Dress Sale
Date: 3rd June 2011
Location: Lauder, Berwickshire
Rebecca Green and her team in Lauder are just counting the monies raised at their Froctastic event – and it seems a whopping £2,180.83 was raised through ticket sales, dress sales and a raffle. Some 200 guests enjoyed the show with a glass of bubbly and a goody bag to take home. Rebecca said “We had great fun with the event, and are very happy that we have raised the profile of the Katie Piper Foundation in this part of Scotland, as well as raising a sum of money great enough to do something useful with.”
Fun Run
Date: 22nd May 2011
Location: Lower Eythorne, near Dover
Colin Smith organised a 3km Fun Run with 50% of the proceeds benefiting the Katie Piper Foundation and the rest split between the local youth football team, Eythorne Rovers, and Elvington & Tilmanstone Colliery Welfare Cricket Club. Nearly 50 boys and girls from these local clubs took part in the event at Tilmanstone Miners Recreation Ground, and the Foundation is pleased to report that it will receive a cheque for £556.65. What a fantastic achievement and well done to all those who took part, and a big thank you for all sponsors. It is hoped that this will become an annual event for the Foundation.
30 Mile Walk
Date: 15th May 2011
Location: Kingston upon Thames to Goffs Oak
Carol-Notley organised a sponsored walk from Kingston upon Thames to Goffs Oak raising money for the Katie Piper Foundation. She and others, including good friend Andrew Jones, started outside The Bentalls Centre and finished at the Goffs Oak Pub A staggering £1600 has been raised and our Twitter volunteer, Gemma (with Carol-Anne outside Chelsea Football Club), also walked part of the way. Well done to all who participated and thank you to all who supported Carol-Anne’s fundraising walk.
Brings Tears to the Eyes
Date: 11th May 2011
Location: Fulwood Barracks
Today Private Lindsey Longden waxed her eyebrows off – to raise money for the Katie Piper Foundation! In front of her whole regiment, Lindsey allowed her largest sponsor to do the deed and had wanted to raise £300 from this, her first of several events in 2011 for the Foundation. She is currently at £270!
Belfast Marathon
Date: 2nd May 2011
Location: Belfast
Congratulations to Alastair ‘Rennie’ Reynolds who completed the Belfast Marathon in 4 and a half hours – a brilliant result given as Rennie explained “The marathon went okay, but I had been ill the week leading up to it and to be honest was dreading it on the morning as was probably only firing at 70% after managing 3 hours sleep the night before!! Was a particularly hot day too which didn’t aid an already dehydrated body but overall was chuffed to get through it and raise some funds for the foundation. Thank you to all at the foundation for your support and i look forward to future opportunities to raise more money!!”
Virgin London Marathon
Date: 17th April 2011
Location: London
A big ‘thank you’ to the runners who ran on behalf of the Foundation at the Virgin London Marathon. The amount raised to date is a fantastic £18,931.99. For those who have reached or surpassed their own target – well done!!!
Richard Dade even managed to slip in a marriage proposal whilst completing the run! Congratulations to the happy couple.
All in all a most fantastic day!!! Thanks from Katie and all at the Foundation.
To those of you who want to help us achieve a final total of £20K, you can donate through the following justgiving pages:
http://www.justgiving.com/jamesGbagshaws
http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Dade1
http://www.justgiving.com/Sofia-Gold
http://www.justgiving.com/RodLeslie
http://www.justgiving.com/RFJ
http://www.justgiving.com/ChrisPiper
http://www.justgiving.com/paulpiper
http://www.justgiving.com/sramsey
http://www.justgiving.com/pauldwlon
Kennedys Law Donation
Date: 13th April 2011
Location: London
After being invited to talk and make a presentation to Kennedy’s Law LLP in London, partners Suzanne Liversidge and Robert Dawbarn presented Katie with a donation of £2,500. Approximately 20 members of staff joined Katie to hear about the Foundation’s work and the ways in which individuals and organisations can help and both Katie and Carol from the Foundation then participated in a short Q&A. The Foundation would like to thank Kennedys for their support.
St Albans High School for Girls Founders Day
Date: 5th April 2011
Location: Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans
The 122nd Founder’s Day Service included a collection for the Foundation which is expected to be over £2000. This is a wonderful contribution to our fundraising efforts and thanks must go to Ambassador Adele Pope who attended the Service on behalf of the Foundation, along with Denise Pope, her mum alongside all at St Alban’s High School that made this donation possible. It is hoped that either Katie or Adele will join the school for an assembly before the end of the year to officially accept the donation.
Car Boot Sale
Date: 3rd April 2011
Location:
On 3rd April CarolAnne Notley ran a very successful car boot sale in aid of the Foundation, managing to raise a total of more than £300.
Cake Stall and Raffle
Date: 1st April 2011
Location: Sir John Deanes College, Northwich
A whopping £250 was raised via a cake stall and raffle thanks to the staff and students of Sir John Deane’s College. Organised by Lisa, the main helpers on the day were Sarah (the head of the Charities Committee) along with Alex, Ian, Lauren and Briony who helped run the stall. Members of the Charities Committee including Alice, Hannah, Alicia and Emma baked cakes and also gave their time to help with the event. Lisa wanted to raise £100 for The Katie Piper Foundation and whilst she really enjoyed organising the day, she was thrilled to raise so much money too.
Ambassadors Reception
Date: 31st March 2011
Location: London
The Katie Piper Foundation welcomed its new Ambassadors at a reception on 31st March. Katie was delighted to introduce them to all the Supporters, Trustees and Friends of the Foundation. The evening was attended by people who had donated their time, effort and services, and those who had financially supported the Foundation. Katie was able to thank them all for their valued contribution:
‘I am truly grateful to so many people who have generously supported, and those who continue to support the charity. I am also very proud to have the Ambassadors as part of our team. I look forward to working together to further the aims of the Foundation’.
Grateful thanks also to Regus for kindly donating the venue and their staff for the evening, and to Create Food & Party Design for generously donating the catering service and drinks.
Visit to Wellingborough School
Date: 30th March 2011
Location: Northamptonshire
On 30th March Katie visited Wellingborough School in Northamptonshire to talk to the pupils about her experiences, explaining to them all about her journey and the difficulties she has faced along the way in terms of confidence and self esteem and how she has managed to cope with the various issues.
New Documentary: Katie - My Beautiful Friends
Date: 22nd March 2011
Location: Channel 4
A new four-part documentary entitled “Katie – My Beautiful Friends” is due to commence on Tuesday 22nd March on Channel 4. Please click here to see a trailer for the programme.
Skydive Challenge Raises over £500
Date: 13th March 2011
Location: Swansea
Grant Webb has come back down to earth after a tandem jump which he says ‘was fantastic, a real thrill, amazing, one of the best things you can ever do’. Raising a phenomenal £556 for the Foundation, here Grant recounts his weekend challenge:
“The guys at Skydive Swansea are complete professionals and I felt safe at all times. All I had to do was listen to what to do/what not to do. I went up quite early in the day so I didn’t have to hang around too long. But Skydive Swansea provided extra support – a cat called Basil who had the personality of a dog. They had to keep it on a lead!
The plane went up and I was the last to jump. One woman before me screamed as she went but she fell so fast you only heard her for half a second. I did the jump – everything for a few seconds became a tumble – then I could see this great big mass coming towards me. It was the earth! The thrill was out of this world, I wasn’t very nervous, rather zen and calm. All I had to do was shut up and jump! It was a 12,000ft drop heading downwards at about 120mph.
Got to the ground safely. Thanked everyone. I have to tell you and the charity that is was WORTH doing it for your worthy cause. The Katie Piper Foundation does something that means a lot to me, and I’ll be sure to do some fundraising for you again in future, perhaps another jump or maybe something completely different!
My Just Giving page is still open if anyone else wishes to sponsor me.” Click here to view the video.
Katie Visits Portway Junior School
Date: 3rd March 2011
Location: Andover
Katie visited her old junior school on 3rd March to talk about the Foundation and how the pupils’ fundraising will be able to help other people like her. They have three big events coming up: a Silly Sock Day; a Spell-a-thon; and a Community Cookbook. Katie very much enjoyed meeting the pupils and sharing her Portway memories with them. She wishes them all the very best of luck in their forthcoming fundraising events.
Launch of Katie’s Memoir
Date: 17th February 2011
Location: UK
17th February marked the publication of Katie’s memoir entitled Beautiful. Described as “A beautiful girl. An evil man. One inspiring true story of courage. A harrowing but ultimately inspiring memoir of how one girl’s beautiful face was destroyed after a vicious acid attack and her tremendous courage to fight back to life.” Beautiful is published by Ebury Press and is available in bookshops now priced £6.99.
BiKal Supports Katie Piper Foundation
Date: February 2011
Location: UK
The Katie Piper Foundation has been chosen by BiKal, leading CCTV providers for home and small businesses, to become their charity partner for 2011. This is the first charity relationship that BiKal has developed and they are keen to help the Foundation improve rehabilitation facilities for burns survivors whilst providing a support network for people living with burns and disfigurement.
BiKal intend to support the Foundation by including appeals and calls to action within their online marketing activity, encouraging additional engagement with the Foundation via their clients.
BiKal’s General Manager, Raj Sandhu, says “The Katie Piper Foundation is an inspirational charity to work alongside. Katie’s story is well known and CCTV ensured a positive outcome in this. Now a new chapter in her life has begun following the creation of the charity. BiKal are delighted to support the Foundation”.
Carol Borwick, Head of Fundraising at The Katie Piper Foundation, says “We are thrilled that BiKal has chosen The Katie Piper Foundation to support during 2011. We hope that by promoting the Foundation on their website and to their clients with regular communications, we will generate awareness, interest and further support for the charity. We hope this will be a successful relationship and we aim to develop it during the year with other initiatives that will be promoted on both websites.”
Katie’s Documentary Wins Award
Date: 3rd February 2011
Location: London
The television industry elite gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 3rd February for the annual Broadcast Awards, which honour the cream of the crop in the sector. Over 1,300 people attended the glittering ceremony, hosted by comedian John Bishop, to find out who had made the cut. Winners included Emmerdale for Best Soap or Continuing Drama prize; Embarassing Bodies in the category of Best Popular Factual Programme; and Cutting Edge – Katie: My Beautiful Face for Best Popular Factual Programme.
Ruthin School Fundraising Day
Date: 27th January 2011
Location: Ruthin, North Wales
Katie’s inspirational story has been the topic of conversation with Year 6 Chemistry students at Ruthin School. The students were gripped by Katie’s courage and determination and her story has helped to develop not only their learning but also their understanding of difficult issues. From this the students decided they wanted to help and organised a fundraising day in school, even dressing in the Foundation’s brand colours for the day. The students loved organising the day and over £200 was raised as a result. Thanks to Year 6, Miss Thirlwall and all at Ruthin School.
Fantastic Fundraising Efforts
Location: UK
We have had a fantastic start to the year with lots of people fundraising for us. Below are some of our supporters who need your support – please take a look at their pages and dig deep! Don’t forget to drop us an email at info@katiepiperfoundation.org.uk if you would like to fundraise for us.
Paul Piper – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Stuart Ramsey - Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Richard Dade – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Paul Wells – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
James Bagshawe – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Matthew Lane – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Chris Piper – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Sofia Gold – Virgin London Marathon, 17 April
Catriona Lennie – Skydive
Tara Day – 40th Birthday
Louise Ellison – ongoing
Dating with a Difference
Location: UK
We get many emails from a variety of people, but many have one thing in common – they feel isolated from the sort of people they fancy and are often lonely. The Katie Piper Foundation would like to recommend that you take a look at the Outsiders website.
Help with PhD Thesis in Counselling Psychology
Location: City University, London
Paniz Samsami is researching a doctoral thesis on how individuals who have acquired a facial disfigurement re-build themselves psychologically. She would like to hear from anyone (aged 18 or over) to hear their story of living with facial disfigurement which is a result of either accident or illness.
The aim of this research is to enhance the understanding and knowledge of Counselling Psychologists and develop their appreciation of how to work therapeutically with such client groups.
An informal interview lasting 60-90 minutes will be audio-recorded and will be strictly confidential. For further information please contact Paniz at abcw647@city.ac.uk or phone 07532 257 960.
Help with Thesis on Acquired Facial Disfigurement
Location: Edinburgh
Matilda and Katie are two undergraduates at the University of Edinburgh. For their thesis in Psychology they are looking to explore the experience of living with an acknowledged facial disfigurement. They are looking for adult participants who have an acquired facial disfigurement and are between the ages of 20 – 70. The interviews will be conducted via skype so people across the UK can volunteer, and will take the form of an informal conversation conducted in the comfort of the volunteer’s home.
The desired outcome of this study is to discover themes that will assist an understanding of the various stages of living with a facial disfigurement, and the specific challenges and changes that will require social support. All interviews will be entirely anonymous. If you can help, please contact Matilda on s0791880@sms.ed.ac.uk or 07875 501 694.
Charity Fashion Show for Knife Crime Awareness
Date: 24th November 2010
Location: London
On 24th November CHICA Boutique in Spitalfields held a charity fashion show in aid of Art Against Knives which Katie attended. The Charity was set up in 2008 after Oliver Hemsley was stabbed, leaving him paralysed. He was 21 at the time and studying at Central St. Martins. He went on to set up the charity with his best friend Katy, saying ‘Knife crime is such a huge and devastating crime that affects so many, we need to do as much as possible to bring awareness to this’. AAK uses fashion and art to do this, and with many celebrity fans, followers and contributors it is rapidly making a difference. Currently the guys are working with young people in the East End to try and make a change. Katie said ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The clothes were fantastic and it’s great to support such a worthy cause’. For further information please click here.
Reveal Shoot
Date: November 2010
Location: London
Turn the pages of issue 46 (20-26th November) to find the beautiful fashion photo shoot of Katie. After the attack Katie never thought she would model again. However, here she is looking simply stunning. Katie said after the shoot: ‘Oh gosh, it was such a surprise. I never thought it would be possible for me to be considered as a fashion model again. To have come full circle and be back modelling again is something that I could never have dreamt would be possible. I’m thrilled that Reveal has given me the opportunity’.
Cosmo Awards
Date: November 2010
Location: London
The Cosmo awards celebrate the remarkable stories and achievements of individuals, and our Katie won the coveted ‘Ultimate Editor’s Choice’ award. Katie’s inspirational bravery and her subsequent passion to give other burns victims a vital lifeline through her charity is testament to her sheer will and determination.
Red Awards
Date: November 30th 2010
Location: London
Katie is delighted to have been nominated for ‘Red’s Hot Women Awards 2010’ – an award celebrating women and their impressive work. The big night is this Tuesday and we have our fingers and toes crossed for our Katie to win this glamorous award. Katie is one of the finalists and is overjoyed to be considered for this fashionable and inspiring award!
Daily Mail Awards
Date: November 23rd 2010
Location: London
Katie was proudly nominated for The 2010 Daily Mail Inspirational Women of the Year Awards in association with the Open University and in support of Wellbeing of Women. This star studded event took place on the 23rd November. Katie was nominated by her mother Diane. Diane said ‘I nominated Katie because she has been an inspiration to so many people. She has shown great courage and determination. She is passionate about her charity and its aims and we are very proud of her’.
Charity Fashion Show
Date: November 4th 2010
Location: Andover
Katie attended a Fashion Show in Andover in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation. The show was organised by a lovely lady called Iris Anderson and was judged a great success by all. Katie said “Thank you very much to everyone involved. It was a fantastic fundraising event which I thoroughly enjoyed attending”.
Rav Wilding wins All Star Family Fortunes
Date: November 6th 2010
Location: London
On Saturday 6th November, Rav Wilding and his family took part in All Star Family Fortunes and won an amazing £10,000 for the Katie Piper Foundation!!
We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ for choosing our Foundation to benefit from your win, we really appreciate it.
You were great!!
Katie’s surgeon wins Star of Pakistan award
Date: October 27th 2010
Location: London
The 2010 Pakistani Achievement Awards, hosted at London’s Hilton Park Lane, celebrated the extraordinary achievements of individuals of Pakistani origin, individuals who have made a sterling and lasting contribution to the image of their country. The awards were under the patronage of the Pakistani High Commission, and the proud Commissioner himself oversaw the award of ten Stars of Pakistan to recipients who had contributed with sustained excellence in their respective fields.
One Star of Pakistan recipient was Mohammad Jawad, a respected cosmetic surgeon. London based Jawad has hit the headlines in recent months for his stellar, groundbreaking burns reconstruction work on acid attack victim Katie Piper. Mr Jawad worked with eight other doctors to treat Katie’s injuries with Matriderm, a skin substitute made from collagen and elastin, and also implemented a successful skin graft. The work was so successful that Katie and Mr Jawad have attracted nationwide media attention, including a Channel 4 documentary, and Katie has subsequently started the Katie Piper Foundation to support fellow burns victims, and help them receive treatment from surgeons such as her ‘hero’ Mr Jawad.
At the awards evening, Mr Jawad was also lauded for his work with the victims of the Pakistani earthquake of 2005. Beginning in October of that year, Mr Jawad became part of a support team consisting of nurses, doctors and paramedical staff, who converted the Al-Shifa Eye Hospital into a makeshift Trauma Unit. Mr Jawad, drawing on all his experience from the UK, was able to help the team receive twenty five patients a day for nearly two months, utilising only three theatres and one dressing room. The treatments provided ranged from routine reconstructive procedures to intricate limb-salvaging procedures, and Mr Jawad ensured that the team always secured the funds they needed to continue this vital and much appreciated work.
Chelsea and Westminster Burns Appeal on track
Date: October 2010
Location: London
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital have announced that donations to their Burns Appeal have now reached more than £75,000, and acknowledged Katie’s part in achieving this. Katie said “I am thrilled that Chelsea and Westminster are on track to meet their target for such a worthwhile cause.” For further information on the Burns Appeal please click here.
Make-up Seminar
Date: 9th October 2010
Location: London
Our first workshop was on Saturday 9th October in London. It was a great success! Survivors who attended were able to try out the latest technique of airbrush foundation with our charity make-up specialist Katey Lockwood. There was also the opportunity to receive make-up tips and advice, as well as full face make over, from foundation make-up artist, Larissa Green.
We were able to provide everyone with not just methods to camouflage scarred areas, but also to help look and feel great all over with manicures, false eyelashes – where lashes once grew – and a range of spray tans.
For our first workshop we had guest speaker Vanessa from Varama, a well respected and renowned camouflage practitioner, to educate and demonstrate the latest cutting edge camouflage make-up. It was a brilliant day and I really enjoyed getting to meet other inspirational survivors and spending time with them.
If you are interested in attending future workshops or have a particular matter you would like help with, please email me at info@katiepiperfoundation.org.uk
We certainly made scars fun on Saturday!
Katie wins Woman of Courage award
Date: 15th October 2010
Location: Birmingham
Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, (15.00) Friday 15 October 2010: The Woman of Courage Award has been exclusively announced at the Vitalise Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, attended by hundreds of high profile guests, in support of national disability charity Vitalise. The winner of the 2010 Vitalise Woman of Courage title is Katie Piper, in recognition of her work in raising awareness of the emotional and physical challenges facing survivors of serious burns, based on her own quite shocking personal story. The positive response to Katie’s story has been overwhelming and by telling it she is able to champion the need to improve rehabilitation facilities for other burns survivors.
For further information please click here.
Copthorne Hotel and Sheffield United support Katie Piper Foundation
Date: 15th October 2010
Location: Sheffield
Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield, owned by Sheffield United plc are delighted to announce their charity partnership with the Katie Piper Foundation, it was announced today (FRI). The Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield is introducing a Pound on Your Pillow initiative where guests are asked to add a £1 to their bill at the end of their stay which will be donated to the charity. The Foundation was set up by Katie Piper after she was attacked and severely burned in a horrific attack with sulphuric acid. She received outstanding treatment and physiotherapy at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and then travelled to Centre Ster in Lamalou where she spent five, three-week intensive blocks of non-surgical treatment. Hotel General Manager, Orla Watt, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the foundation and Katie is someone we can all draw inspiration from.”
Katie’s weeks of nine to five daily treatments included intensive deep tissue massage, one-to-one specially adapted exercises with a physiotherapist, endomology machines that work to soften the skin and make it more malleable, hydrotherapy and high pressure water jet therapy, and silicone treatments alongside pressure garments.
Her ambition is to establish an advanced burn and scar management and rehabilitation clinic because she believes that the non-surgical treatment she received there was a critical contributor to her recovery and over time her scars became soft, supple and pale. Her skin grew more flexible and her face began to feel like her own again.
Katie said: “I want the clinic to be a place where people can learn to overcome the psychological barriers of living with disfigurement and concentrate on rebuilding their lives.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support of Copthorne Hotel and Sheffield United. It’s amazing that they have chosen to support the Foundation in this way.
“The NHS does provide some methods for scar management, but unfortunately cannot provide intense block therapy using all methods under one roof in a rehabilitation environment. There also isn’t anywhere in the UK to receive endomology for treatment of burns and scars – the machines are currently licensed for use as a beauty treatment for cellulite but I want to introduce them to the UK as a scar management treatment.
Another important part of the treatment for Katie was being in a supportive environment shared by people going through a similar experience. This was instrumental in showing her that she could beat her scars and it taught her to believe that she could stop them from cocooning her.
She continued: “Initiatives like a Pound on your Pillow are essential to help us on our way to get our support network established. We held our first workshop for burns survivors last week and it was really successful, and this fund-raising will help contribute towards future workshops and courses too.”
Katie will be attending tomorrow’s (October 16) Sheffield United Burnley Match where she will announce the collaboration and thank the team for their support.
Simon McCabe, Sheffield United Director, said: “We are delighted our partners, Copthorne, have chosen to support Katie’s foundation, Sheffield United Plc are pleased to be working with such a remarkable person as Katie.”
For further information or for interview and picture opportunities with Katie Piper, please contact Louise Plank 020 8995 3936 or lou@plankpr.com.
Katie wins Most Inspirational Woman award
Date: 6th October 2010
Location: London
Katie Piper was honoured to be awarded most Inspirational Woman at the Breakthrough Breastcancer Inspirational Awards for Women 2010. The event was held at Cadogan Hall on 6th October, 2010 and hosted by Andrew Castle. The award recognised an individual who had conducted themselves in such a manner that has inspired others and had a creative influence on others. Katie was surprised to have been announced as the winner and delighted to have received the award. She said: “Tonight is about normal women as well as people in the public eye. Some people lead incredible lives we don’t know about. I want to send a message out that being deformed doesn’t mean the end of your life. I am living my life and I hope I have been a role model for people.” The following morning, Katie went to talk to Lorraine Kelly on ITV1’s Daybreak to talk about the award and her Foundation. Click here to watch the clip…
“I had a fantastic night at the Inspiration awards last night. I feel very honoured to have won most inspirational woman of 2010. It was a wonderful feeling collecting my award and feeling accepted. I felt fabulous on the night my friend Isobel Kershaw from NHJ Styling helped me choose my dress from one of my favourite shops Reiss!”
Katie wins Pride of Andover award
Date: 5th October 2010
Location: Andover
Katie Piper was presented with a Pride of Andover Award. Television presenter and host, Esther Rantzen announced Katie as the winner of the Courage Award, which was the result of nominations from two people who have never met Katie before. Nominator Tracey Mason and Gaz Diggens see Katie as an inspiration. Nominator Tracey Mason said: “She is an inspiration and a truly beautiful person.” Gaz Diggens, who also nominated Katie, said: “Out of all that has happened to her, she has managed to build a positive future for herself and others through the charity she set up.”
Please click here to read more about the event and to view photographs.
Islamic Help Flood Appeal
Date: September 2010
Location: Pakistan
I am an ambassador for Islamic Help, which is a charity that is very close to my heart. They carry out a lot of work in South Asia, in particular Pakistan, where acid attacks are common. I am proud and honoured to be part of Islamic help and their fund raising for acid attack victims. Right now they need your help with a different matter. Many of my friends from Islamic Help are actually out in Pakistan at the moment carrying out relief work helping people after the devastation the floods have brought. To support them and help them with their work, please click here.
London Marathon
Date: 17th April 2011
Location: London
My friend Sofia Gold is running the London Marathon for The Katie Piper Foundation. This is quite a special one to me as she is a very good friend of mine. We lived together before, and when I was attacked she stood by me and was a brilliant support to me, visiting me in hospital and then at home and also getting me out and about from the house. Please sponsor Sofia on her Just Giving page by clicking here.
Riding the Ripcord in Michigan
Date: 25th July 2010
Location: Michigan, USA
In July Paul Tooke rode the Ripcord at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation:
“ The ride is basically a 183 foot swing and is loosely based on a skydive. Once in our flight suits we began climbing higher and higher, lying on our stomachs looking down. I must admit I was scared to look down, so I just focused on looking forward until we got to the top of the tower. At the top of the tower at 183 feet, I then did look down. I heard ‘3 . . . 2. . .1. . . Fly’, and did not really know when I was going to drop, so I quickly relaxed. Mary pulled the ripcord and we began falling. I think there is about a second of freefall, then about a second where you are facing head first towards the ground, and from then on you just glide backwards and forwards.” Please click here to view.
Many thanks to Paul for his very valiant effort and kind donation.
Dublin Marathon
Date: 25th October 2010
Location: Dublin
Mark North will be running the Dublin Marathon in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation. We wish Mark the very best of luck. If you would like to help Mark achieve his goal of £1000 please click here to sponsor him on his just giving page.
Visit to Terri Calvesbert
Date: August
Location: Ipswich
Terri Calvesbert
Katie has also been able to travel up and down the country visiting various burns units and fellow survivors. She recently visited Terri Calvesbert.
Terri Calvesbert was nearly two when in 1998 a fire burnt down her house. She suffered 90% burns. She lost hands, toes, ears, nose and of course nearly all of her skin. Her story was featured on a one-hour documentary, “Being Terri”, aired on ITV on 9th June 2003.
Terri has had 16 operations in the last 3 years and will have operations every year for the rest of her life.
Chelsea and Westminster Donation
Date: August
Location: London
With your support and generous donations The Katie Piper Foundation has been able to donate £500 to Chelsea and Westminster health charities burns appeal.
They are raising funds to support a dedicated Clinical Psychologist Screening at the Burns Unit in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
“I was very lucky to receive exceptional psychological support from Chelsea and Westminster burns psychologist, Lisa Williams, at a crucial time in my recovery and thereafter. We are proud to support Chelsea and Westminster in the fantastic work they do and fully believe psychologists are an essential part of recovery from burns and traumatic scarring.”
Rett Syndrome Fundraiser
Date: 29th August
Location: Andover
On Sunday August 29th I was asked to present trophies at another charity Football and Fun day. This one was to help raise money for research into Rett syndrome, a neurological condition that affects the daughter of a friend of mine. I know how hard it is to keep on raising money for charity so I was pleased to be able to help Tracey and Paul with their fund raising. There was great support for the event and there were lots of activities to keep everyone busy. The winning team were particularly pleased with themselves as they won the tournament last year too!
Football and Fun Day
Date: 22nd August
Location: Andover
On Sunday 22nd August a football match and Fun Day was held at my parents’ local pub. This was organised by Paul Davies, Aimee and Sadie Trinder and their parents, Karen and Rob. The amount of work the family put in to making this event such a success was amazing; they arranged a bouncy castle for the children as well as face painting and craft activities. There was also a raffle, an auction, a barbecue and a killer pool competition. We would like to say a big thank you to them and all the players and their families. We all had a fantastic day, the rain held off (most of the time!) and it was great to see so much support for the Foundation. The fund-raising continued well into the evening with the regulars from the quiz raising enough money to persuade the quizmaster to have his face painted for the evening! The event raised £752 for the Foundation, so many thanks to you all.
Channel 4 Diversity Awards
Date: 24th November 2009
Location: London
Katie with Oona King
Katie was invited to attend the Channel 4 diversity awards
“The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) has announced a new awards ceremony, The CDN Diversity Awards, to celebrate, congratulate and promote excellence in diverse, creative output in the TV sector. The awards will take place on November 24th at Channel 4, and will be hosted by Alan Carr – with support lent from other high profile special guests including Idris Elba, better known as The Wire’s Stringer Bell.
In April this year, the CDN launched its Diversity Pledge, a public commitment by independent production companies, in-house producers and other suppliers to take measurable steps to improve diversity. The awards will be a chance to celebrate the good work being done by production companies across the four Pledge areas so far, as well as other fields in which they have helped promote diversity.”
Katie was very pleased to be attending an event that strongly supports her belief in equality and diversity.
Katie is pictured with head of diversity at channel 4, Oona King.
Lumenis Treatment
Date: 12th September
Location: London
Today I had some more treatment on my face I had deep dermal laser using Lumenis. The procedure involved burning the top layer of my skin, which was quite a strange experience for me.
It was a bit painful but the surgeon, Matteo, is very experienced and talked me through every stage of the treatment which made it a lot easier.
At the moment I look a bit like I did in the early days of my recovery, but once the treatment is finished it will really help soften my scars and release any contractions.
Thank you for everything, guys!
Matteo Tretti Clementoni
Rav Wilding on Celebrity Family Fortunes
Date: tbc
Location: London
Rav Wilding and his family are taking part in ITV’s Celebrity Family Fortunes and will donate any prize money to The Katie Piper Foundation.
Way to go, Rav and thanks for your support. We will announce what date the show is being broadcast as soon as we have confirmation. Let’s hope they are doing lots of studying!
DJ Steve Harris runs the Berlin Marathon
Sunday 26th September
Location: Berlin
BBC radio Solent DJ Steve Harris is running the Berlin Marathon for The Katie Piper Foundation. Steve interviewed Katie last October and was inspired by her strength and bravery. Please sponsor him by clicking here.
Update – Steve successfully completed the Berlin Marathon in 4 hours 25 minutes, and in doing so raised £340 for the Katie Piper Foundation. Many congratulations to Steve and a big thank you for his very kind donation. If you would like to see Steve crossing the finishing line please click here.
Dublin Half Marathon
Saturday 18th September
Location: Dublin
This weekend Katie’s friend Emily Savage and team mate Aimee Gantley are running the Dublin Half Marathon. They are aiming to raise an amazing £500 for the Katie Piper Foundation! If you would like to help them reach their goal, you can sponsor them on their just giving page by clicking here.
Let us help you to Look and Feel Great
Saturday 9th October
Location: Central London
The Katie Piper Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the first in their planned programme of events and seminars.
The first seminar is designed entirely for burns survivors. KPF has arranged for a range of hair and makeup professionals to come and offer advice and guidance to show you just how easy it is to build your confidence and feel your best with simple, inexpensive tips.
This isn’t just a day designed for the ladies out there. There will also be experts on hand to offer some more ‘manly’ advice to our male friends out there who just need a few pointers on what products and techniques are available for men. Fear not, we won’t be caking you in makeup – well not unless you really want to be!
The programme of events will begin at 10 a.m. at location in Central London and the day will end by 4pm. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided and the day will also present a great opportunity for you to talk to fellow burns survivors.
If you are interested, please click here to complete the registration form. We will then review and confirm your attendance within 10 days.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance info@katiepiperfoundation.org.uk.
Hope you can make it!
The official launch of the Katie Piper Foundation
13th July
Location: Sony Music London
The Katie Piper Foundation officially launched complete with a brand new website, logos and its first patron, Simon Cowell.
The event at Sony Music was attended by a mix of friends, family and some of Katie’s many supporters. Katie spoke about her intentions for the charity to build a centre to help other burns survivors to have access to the same rehabilitation that she had, and to try and change the way people view and judge those suffering from disfigurement. Katie explained to her guests
‘One of the hardest things about being disfigured is getting over how other people view or react to you. If together we can change that we will take away half the battle that someone like myself would face.’
Simon Cowell, who attended the event, said: ‘Katie is one of the most inspiring people I have met. She is brave, talented and determined and I think what she is doing with the Katie Piper Foundation is incredible.’
Patron Simon Cowell Sonia & Rachel You Clinic, Chiswick TV presenter and supporter Rav Wilding
New documentary by Mentorn Media
Katie is working with Mentorn Media, the company who made Channel 4′s Katie: My Beautiful Face to produce a new four-part series about people adapting to an altered facial or body appearance. This may be the result of burns like her own or through an accident or medical reasons. Mentorn are interested in hearing other peoples stories so if this sounds like you or someone you know then you can contact them in confidence on different@mentorn.tv or call +44 (0) 207 258 6867.
500 mile butler bike ride
4th July 2010
Location: Manchester to London
Richard Phillips from Middleton, Manchester is set to embark on a 500 mile bike ride – dressed as a butler! He will depart from Manchester city this Sunday for a seven-day ride to the English capital. And as if that wasn’t a great enough task, he’ll be stopping off along the way to serve customers at dozens of coffee shops as a butler. Once in London Richard, still dressed as a butler, will join 100 other riders for a four-day cycle to Paris. The butler theme derived from Richard’s nickname: “I’m not too sure why my friends decided to start calling me the butler, perhaps it’s because I’m tidy or attentive during dinner parties, either way it’s stuck.” With his epic cycle ride Richard is hoping to raise £2,000 for the Katie Piper Foundation. Help “the butler” to meet his target for the Katie Piper Foundation at www.justgiving.com/the-butlers-challenge. We think this is an amazing effort. Go Richard, we’ll be rooting for you!
Virgin London marathon
25th April 2010
Location: London
One of the foundation trustees Ros, and Katie’s brother Paul ran the Virgin London Marathon for the Katie Piper Foundation.
This is the third time Paul has run the marathon, the first being when Katie was still in a coma and the second being last year when Katie was still too frightened to go out. Katie is proud to have been there this year to enjoy the day and cheer them on “I was very nervous about the crowds but once I relaxed into the day I really enjoyed myself.”
A big thank you to Ros, Paul and all the sponsors for the money they raised for the foundation and congratulations to you both on your run.
Fundraising bands night
2nd May 2010
Location: Properganda music canteen
Rob Campbell organised some fantastic bands to play at the Properganda Music Canteen. He raised £460 and put on a superb evening. Thank you very much to Rob, all of the bands and everybody who donated and supported us that evening.
Liverpool half marathon
28th March 2010
Location: Liverpool
Amanda Rimmer ran the Liverpool half marathon for the Katie Piper foundation and raised £90. Thank you very much Amanda for choosing to support us, we greatly appreciate your efforts.
BAFTA Awards
21st February 2010
Location: London
BAFTA Fever! Katie is very proud to announce that Jessie Versluys, director of “Katie: My Beautiful Face” has won the Breakthrough Talent prize 2010 Craft BAFTA. They attended the BAFTA awards ceremony together and Katie watched Jessie receive her award. Being one of the first people to enter Katie’s life after the attack, Jessie helped and supported her in many ways, not just as the director of the documentary but as a friend and confidant. Katie says: “She helped me grow as a person and adapt to my new life.”
“Katie: My Beautiful Face” was also nominated for Best Single Documentary” at the BAFTA Television Awards in June 2010, but lost out to BBC One’s Wounded directed by the talented Sara Hardy. Katie who has had the pleasure of working with Sara is very happy for her and says: “Wounded simply blew me away. Congratulations Sara!”