In a world obsessed with talentless celebrities, where glamour models are icons to young girls and enhanced looks are more important than personality and intellect, I love to see strong role models enter the public arena.
Although the events that have made her such a role model are truly heart breaking, I can’t help but feel so much admiration for Katie Piper and know her story will be an inspiration for years to come.
Katie has been in the public eye a great deal recently, sharing her story with the world and talking about her new projects. However, if you haven’t come across Katie yet, her tragic story began in 2008 when she was brutally attacked and had sulphuric acid thrown in her face under the instruction of an ex-boyfriend. A former model and aspiring TV presenter, the acid destroyed the skin on Katie’s face, throat, neck and hands and left her blind in one eye.
Surgeons performed pioneering surgery and she had to wear a pressure mask for 23 hours a day for two years in an attempt to flatten her scars. After more surgery and rehabilitation, she managed to build up the physical and emotional strength to get back out into the world. And, this month saw the launch of the Katie Piper Foundation, set up to try and improve the lives of those living with burns and scars by providing a network of support and information on treatments.
To have accomplished so much during such painful and adverse situations is incredible, especially when her career before the attack was so dependent on her looks. I think she’s a role model for those who feel they don’t have the strength or ability to achieve something, especially burns victims who have been too afraid to live with their scars.
And, I hate to bring this back to me, me, me but hearing Katie’s story has really put things into perspective. To know that she’s achieved so much after battling through such a horrific attack means I have no excuse to complain about the little things anymore.
Image of Katie Piper via www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk