Interview with Katie Piper: My Beautiful Face – Channel 4
Eighteen months ago, Katie Piper was a beautiful young woman with a burgeoning career as a model and TV presenter. Then she suffered a horrific attack, arranged by her erstwhile boyfriend, when acid was thrown in her face, causing extensive third degree burns and blindness in one eye. Since that day, Katie has had over 30 operations. Her life has changed beyond recognition.
Now, Katie’s story is to be told in a fascinating and intimate documentary, Katie: My Beautiful Face, to be shown on Channel 4 on Thursday 29th October. The film follows Katie at home and in hospital, as she receives treatment and tries to come to terms with her new face, and her new life, and as she waits to hear the verdict from the trial of her attackers. Here, Katie talks movingly and frankly about her recollections of the attack, her experiences of the last 18 months, and why she is looking forward to a bright future.
Where were you in your life before the attack took place in March 2008?
I was 24, living in North London, As a model and tv presenter. And I was going clubbing and enjoying being young and single.
How did you meet Danny Lynch?
Initially the first contact was on Facebook. And there was also a connection through the martial arts work that I was doing.
You started seeing him, and everything started off fine, didn’t it?
Yeah, it was just like whenever you first start dating someone, you go out for drinks and dinners, you chat on the phone. It was quite intense, but there weren’t any warning signs of what was to come.
When did things start to go wrong?
Well, we only dated for a few weeks, so it was quite early on. I saw a jealous streak, possessiveness, an anger problem, and little things about his life didn’t add up. He told me he was working, doing certain things, and yet he didn’t really have a job. Things weren’t adding up.
And then one night, in a London hotel, he raped you. Why didn’t you go to the police after that?
Because he held me in the room, all night, attacking me and threatening me that if I told anybody he would kill me, and kill my flatmates. He knew where I lived, where I parked my car. I was terrified.
What do you remember of 31st March 2008? What happened?
I remember everything. I remember walking out of my flat, and I was on the telephone to Danny, and he was getting me to come out of the house. So whilst on the phone to him I was walking across the balcony, down the communal stairs, and I opened the door and went out onto the street. I was still on the phone, and a guy started crossing the street towards me. And as he got closer to me, I thought “He’s not just crossing the street, he’s coming towards me.” He had made eye contact with me, and his arms were locked out in front of him, with a cup in his hands. I thought he was begging, so I said to Danny ‘Hold on a second’. I didn’t explain why, and he didn’t ask me why, and I put the phone to my ear and went to get money from my bag, and as I did, this guy threw the acid in my face.
What happened next?
Initially I just remember thinking “Oh my gosh, how terrible, this guy’s just thrown coffee at me, how rude!” I even thought things like “I’m going to have to go inside now and change my top.” Just stupid stuff. And then a few seconds after, the pain was just surging through my body, and I thought maybe it had been bleach. And then, when the pain just overtook, and started to reduce my vision, I knew it was acid. I thought perhaps I was on fire, because my whole body was in pain, not just the areas that are scarred. And I knew that I was in really serious trouble. Losing my vision made me feel really vulnerable, because I had no idea where he’d run off to. I didn’t know if Danny was there, I thought they were going to come and get me and take me away. Was he going to rape me again? And my screaming was so loud that it was deafening me. I remember thinking “I wish that noise would stop,” and then realising that it was me.
What happened over the next days and weeks?
It’s all a bit of a blur, really, because of the drugs that I was on, so things that I remember didn’t necessarily happen. I was in an induced coma for a while, because of the pain and mental trauma. And also because all the skin from my buttocks and back had been removed to graft onto my face, so I couldn’t have been conscious, I wouldn’t have been able to be comfortable in any position.
So you didn’t really know what was going on for a while. Do you remember coming out of that and starting to comprehend what was happening to you?
It happened bit by bit. The drugs would be reduced and then have to be increased again, and more surgery would happen, so it was really up and down. My parents said that sometimes I’d be up in bed talking to them, and they’d think I was totally normal, then I’d say stuff like “Danny’s behind you.” I was playing Connect 4 with my dad, and actually beating him, but then seeing monsters coming out of the ceiling. It was really strange. I never felt safe, I thought I was being attacked again, it was awful. I think some of that was the mental trauma rather than the drugs.
What do you remember about seeing yourself for the first time?
That’s a vivid memory, and I wasn’t on drugs then. I was due to be discharged, I’d been in hospital for nearly two months. And in the burns unit, they don’t have any mirrors in the bathrooms or anywhere. I’d started trying to catch a glimpse of my face in the back of spoons at meal times, but I couldn’t see properly. I could see my hand, and it was raw and red and lumpy, a bit like raw mincemeat. And I remember thinking “That must be my face.” After a while, I really wanted to look in the mirror, because my mind was going into overdrive. So, a week before I was discharged I went to see the burns psychologist.
With a view to seeing your face?
Yes, but only bit by bit. My dad sat in the room with me. And the psychologist said “Right, I’m going to give you a hand-mirror, and what I want you to do is look at a little bit, maybe on your chest. And we’ll look at a bit today, then tomorrow we’ll work our way up, and the next day we’ll do a bit more and talk about how you feel.” And in my head I thought “No way, I’m not doing that, I’m just going to go full whack and look at it all now.” So I got the mirror and just held it up, and initially I just thought “There’s been a massive mistake. There’s either someone stood behind me or they’ve stuck a picture on it, or the mirror’s broken, because that’s not me. That’s not even a woman.” It didn’t even look female. Then I got quite angry. I kept saying “It’s not working, I can’t see my face.” And they were trying to talk to me and explain. And then I remember wanting to blame the doctors, thinking “I should never have come to this hospital. What have they done to me? I can’t believe I’ve let them do this to me. I shouldn’t have signed the consent forms.” The biggest thing I remember looking at was my eyes, because they were dead. All the skin was pulled down, and you could see the circular shape of the eyeball. And the pupil had gone in the blind eye. My eyes were just completely dead. I remember thinking “I look like Freddy Kruger.” It sounds vain, but even things like the fact that they’d shaved my head, I was thinking “I’ve got no hair. I’ve got no ear!” I couldn’t accept that was my reflection.
Did you learn to accept it in time?
Not at first, it was hard when I went back home. The first time probably wasn’t the worst time of seeing my reflection. That was probably when I got home, and the burns started to shrivel up and get lumpier, and actually it got worse. As it was contracting and pulling down, I became more disfigured. I remember one time I was sat in my bedroom painting my toenails – because I still painted my toenails! – I had a little vanity box that I kept all my polishes in, and it had a tiny little mirror on the lid. And I had it on the floor, and I was sat on the floor painting my toenails, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this dreadful thing in my mirror. This big, red, shiny monster, all contorted, and I thought “Oh my Goodness, what on earth is that?” And I realised it was my reflection, and I just sat there and cried for an hour. I remember thinking “If my reflection shocks me, how will other people feel?”
How many operations have you had?
I’m not sure. Somewhere in the 30s. I had another one just this week – on my birthday would you believe?
There’s a surgeon who’s worked with you a lot. You’re very grateful to him, aren’t you?
Mr Jawad is amazing. At times he’s been my reason for carrying on. When I felt depressed, I’ve almost felt like I can’t let him down. He has been like a second dad to me, he’s been so amazing. Always been positive, always been optimistic. When I’ve felt like there’s no point, things aren’t going to get better, he’s researched new treatments, he’s shown me pictures of other people he’s treated, he’s introduced me to other people who have suffered injuries, for moral support. He’s gone beyond his job, he’s just been phenomenal. And to build up that relationship so that I trust him has made the surgery so much easier, it’s made me less frightened about the outcome. And to have someone believe in me and care about me has helped my confidence. It’s helped me feel worthwhile. And not just the acid attack, but the rape as well, made me hate myself. I respect him so much, and I think he’s such an amazing person, that to have him believe in me helped me believe in me, and made me feel like maybe I can do this. He’s been a massive influence in my life, and I don’t think I’d be here without him now. I wouldn’t be this strong.
Your throat was burned so badly you had to be fed by a tube into your stomach. Do you still have to use that?
I did have an external tube in my stomach, but that was removed about four months ago. I’ve been able to eat normally, but I have to drink eight of these special drinks-a-day, that have 200 calories in them, and proteins and things like that. They’re kind of meal substitutes, and then I eat for pleasure. I can’t eat enough to survive, because I’ve got scar tissue in the oesophagus. I’ve just had an operation to widen it, and then I’ll be able to eat to live for a while. But then it will start to close down again, and it’ll become too difficult to eat enough. I don’t know what will happen in the long term, but the length of time between me needing the operations is increasing.
What about the psychological injuries that you’ve suffered. How did you deal with them?
It’s very hard. I didn’t like people walking in my direction. In my own home, the noises of the pipes, or doors clicking shut, or someone dropping something – all of that would put me on edge. That’s subsided now a lot, thankfully, 18 months on. But I don’t like people shouting, I don’t like signs of aggression. But before it was ridiculous, I couldn’t go out of the house because I was so frightened. Now I can live a more normal life, but I perhaps wouldn’t now go out to a bar and leave and walk to get a taxi on my own at night. Before, I thought I was invincible, so I’m probably more risk-averse. But that may not be such a bad thing.
How low did you get? What was your lowest moment?
When I first got discharged from hospital, I would wake up believing that the whole thing had been a dream, and I still had my old face. I’d go to the bathroom to clean my teeth, and I’d be completely gutted. It felt so terrible knowing it was real. And also going to court, hearing what happened to me read out so factually, and realising it was true, and hearing how dreadful it was. I’d sometimes sit there and think “Goodness, that’s dreadful,” and then think “that’s me they’re talking about!” One time when I really cried was when I was at home, and there was some post for me, and it was my discharge summary from the burns unit. And it was all really factual, there in black-and-white: “Katie Piper has suffered extensive third-degree burns to the face and trunk and blindness to the left eye.” It was all there in print, and I just cried and thought “My life is finished. Everything I had has been destroyed, and there it is written for me in black-and-white.” It was hard.
Why did you want to make this film?
A number of reasons. I think, for me personally, I felt that it would make my life easier if people could see me, know what has happened to me, and know why I look the way I look. So that if people see me on the street they’ll think “Oh, I saw that girl in a documentary, I know why she’s wearing that mask.” And I also wanted to do it for other people who have been burned, to raise awareness of things like the masks, why people wear them, that it’s part of the treatment. I think that’s probably harder for people – not necessarily the scarring. It’s more “Look at that woman, she’s got a plastic face, that’s really weird!” That’s probably more the reason people look at me than the disfigurement. So I think it’d be good to get that more in the open. I’d never seen a plastic mask before, I never knew what they were for. And I also wanted to show people that I’m still a normal person, I can still laugh. And to show that people don’t have to be scared around me, or worried about saying the wrong thing. I can talk about my accident, it’s not a taboo subject. And I really enjoyed doing the documentary. It was good therapy for me.
You found it a therapeutic experience?
I found it liberating and confidence-building. I felt normal again. And I enjoyed making it. And I’m proud of it. I’m really glad I did it.
In practical terms, what was it like being followed around by a camera crew all of the time?
It was funny, because I could then tell myself that people weren’t staring at me because of my face, but because of the cameras. Sometimes it was fun, but sometimes it was a bit intense, like during the trial. At times it was difficult, but the film crew were really sensitive, and became friends, so they knew when to back off as well. And I’m glad that they filmed that part of my life, because what these guys did to me, and what I’ve been through, I think needs to be documented and shown as well.
Your family has been hugely supportive throughout the ordeal. Has it brought you closer together?
Definitely. I’ve always felt fortunate with my family, I had a really happy childhood and a great upbringing. But I probably did drift away from my family a bit when I moved to London. My priorities were probably quite selfish. I went home for Mother’s Day, Christmas, birthdays and stuff. I was caught up in my own life, a little bit self-important, and always keen to get back to London in time to go to a club and things like that. And this has made me re-evaluate my life, and who’s important to me, and who’s really there when everything goes completely wrong. It’s brought me closer to them in a great way, and I won’t lose that. No matter what happens in my life, I’ll keep that strong bond with my sister, my brother, my mum and dad. My mum’s like my best friend now.
And the police seem to have been really good.
Oh, they’re such lovely guys. Some people might say I’ve been unfortunate, but I’ve been so fortunate with Mr Jawad and the police. They were really great guys, they worked so hard on the case, they were so personal, they had such a human side. It must have been hard for them – especially Adam, the family liaison officer. He had to try and get statements from me and ask me about it when I was in intensive care, in and out of consciousness. He was a really sensitive guy, really nice.
How did it feel when your attackers were found guilty, and when they were sentenced?
Because it ended up going to a retrial, and I had a period of seven or eight months between the trials, I thought that when I got the verdict I’d be elated. I thought I’d be jumping for joy and having a party. But it’s actually not like that. It’s a feeling of: That is justice. That is what should happen. The right thing’s happened, and that’s good, but you don’t feel that everything’s okay all of a sudden. I’m still living my life injured and having to get on with things. I was glad that justice was done, and I was glad the way the trial went, but it’s not compensation for what happened. It’s just the right outcome following a terrible crime.
Has anything positive come out of this? Have you learned anything about yourself or life?
More positive things have come out of it than negative. So many positive things. I’ve changed as a person. I think I’ve matured, I know what and who is important in my life. I look back on my old life – and I enjoyed it and had fun, but it seems pretty pointless and empty, that existence. I felt it was full and I loved it at the time, and of course I miss aspects of it, but I’m happy with the life I’ve got now, I’m happy with the person I am and the relationships I’ve built. And it’s introduced me to some amazing people who I’d never have met, and I’m really glad that they’re part of my life. It sounds like a really odd thing to say, but it’s been a really positive experience. It started out terribly, but it’s proved to be a long journey with lots of great things on the way.
Did you realise what a strong person you were before all of this?
If you’d asked the old me what I’d do if I was disfigured and partly-blinded, I’d have said “I’ll just kill myself, because my looks are everything to me.” When I used to get spots I wouldn’t go out, I was that vain. I spent lots of money on looking good. So I’d have never imagined I could get through something like this. But people always think that, and then when you’re thrown into something, like a bereavement, you get through it and deal with it. I think the human spirit is an amazing thing.
So how do you feel now?
I love life. I’m really happy to be alive, I’m grateful to have a great family, and to live in a country that has the NHS – I’ve had all this treatment on the NHS. Medical treatment is fantastic, the things they can do these days are amazing. To be melted and rebuilt is quite phenomenal, really. I feel positive about my life. I want to go on and get married and have children. I want a normal life, and I feel excited about life. I still have a zest for life, I don’t feel broken or beaten in any way.
What are your other hopes for the future?
I’d like to return to work, and have a professional life. I don’t just want to recover and put it in a box and forget about it, I want to use my experience to help other people who have been burned. And I’d maybe like to raise awareness about having your life online. Everybody goes online, people date online and lots of success stories happen, but with things like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, so many of your personal details are online, and people can find out so much about you. I’m not trying to make some campaign against social networking sites, because they’re really useful, but I’d maybe like to raise awareness and get people to be a little vigilant.
Katie: My Beautiful Face is on Channel 4 on Thursday 29th October at 9pm.
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Hi Katy, I watched your programme last night and thought you were really brave, you are an inspiration to evryone, you should be proud of yourself for how you came accross on the program. I watched it with tears rolling down my face. You are still beautifull and young and I am sure you will meet that special person someday and get married and have children. Take care you special person.
Debbie x
Hi Katiet u r so beautiful and brave. People should learn patients from u and you should be proud of yourself for how you came accross on the program. When I read the story I felt very upset and started to cry one thing that I can always say is i really love u. I dream is to meet u and gives u a biggggggggggggggggggggg hug.
Nabeela x
Pride of Britain award winner i think!!!! You are still a very beautiful young lady Katie and the scars seem to be healing daily. I am sure in time and as technology develops it will only get better and better. You are truly one amazing courageous person who deserves a wonderful life and I hope with your optimism and strength you will go on to help others, particularly those returning from Afganistan who have fallen victim like yourself. Life is so very cruel and it is so very unfair.
God bless you Katie, you have touched my heart and I sincerely wish you every happiness that anyone could possibly imagine.
May there also be tougher regulations regarding the sale of such substance!!!
All the very best. xx
Hi Katie,
I just wanted to reiterate what everyone else has said. I don’t ever write on these things, but you truly are an inspiration. Your courage in allowing the world to see what you have been through is awe-inspiring and you should feel very proud of yourself.
You are a truly beautiful girl, and your clothes are to die for!
I hope that this programme has helped you in some small way, and hopefully you can move on a live what I am sure will be a long, full and happy life.
what a beautiful lady you were before any you still are now.
I was completely amazed at how strong Katie came across on the programme – what an inspirational lady. It still astounds me that any “human” could do that to another human, but I think Katie has dealt with it admirably.
And I agree with the other comments, you are definitely still a beautiful person.
We all think your a great inspiration to all young women, what happend to you was truely terrifying, and we think your thee bravest women we know about!! your still really pretty.
wish you all the best in the future.
xxx
In the film, I was struck by your feelings of having no purpose. You are a strong woman and are an amazing role model for everyone with any kind of facial disfigurement, children and adults alike. Your path in life may have been cruelly altered but you shine and you will excel at your next opportunity, whatever that may be. You deserve to be cherished. Your family and friends must be so proud – ‘Beauty is in the art of finding it’.
Aready posted one comment today…want to say it again…YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL & AMAZING x
Katie sweety .. if you reach for the moon and fail – dont be sad darling cause you will still be among the stars …
Wish all the best ..
Great respect from
Donna XX
What an amazing and truly inspirational young girl,who is also utterly gorgeous.x
Hi Katie,
My partner and I saw the cutting edge documentary last night, and were absolutely horrified by your attack, but we were also both really moved and inspired by how courageous and positive you were (and obviously still are). You’re really an inspiration, and I think some of the earlier comments posted here only begin to highlight how much of an impact you’ve had.
Wishing you all the best with your recovery,
Best wishes,
Simon
your still beautiful and u always will be i hope your ok and i think that your the most bravest girl in the hole world bye alex,newcastle.
Katie you are amazing & beautiful . Enjoy life you deserve it.
Hi
Just wanted to say how truly inspirational you are, you proved not only beautiful on the outside but within.
I know you must have your dark days, but you showed how strong you are.
Dont loose faith in people, the good far outnumber the bad/weak.
I wish you all the best for the future.
Abbey
I am rarely shocked these days by anything on telly, neither am I often moved by programmes. However, Katie took my breath away last night.
She is like a foible, a fairy tale, beauty and the beast for example. …but with Katie being the beast. Let me explain. Wasn’t the prince, in beauty & the Beast, originally the most handsome young man in the land? And was made “ugly” by the witch until he appreciated the meaning of beauty being only skin deep?
Katie’s looks, as they were, have been lost but there is something intrinsically gorgeous about her. I still think, genuinely, that she is still incredibly pretty. Certainly not ugly or horrible to look at. She seems to have a great sense of humor and a strong will, she is obviously an intelligent young woman and she will go far and be happy, I am sure of it.
She has charisma and I hope she can one day be proud again of how she looks and who she is.
Good luck Katie x x x
I watched Katies program last night, and I am in awe of her bravery, I am a 40 year old woman and I do not think I could be as brave or as positive as lovely Katie is. I spent alot of the program crying, she taught me in that hour; and at the young age of 25 that you are more than you looks, her beauty shines through and she can walk with her head held high because she is beautiful inside and out. I wish her all she wishes for herself and more.
Katie, I didnt watch your documentary but i went into work today and my colleagues told me about it. I went on the net and watched some clips …. You are brave, you know that already. You are stunning with your scars .. Just beautiful you will have no problems in finding the man of your dreams, naturally stunning. You have been on my mind most of today and i find in hard to accept what they did .. It hurts me to think of it. Love Nikki, Bham. xxxx
What an inspiration truley an amazing beautiful person!
Katie, I don’t know where to start with how your programe has changed my life, in the past so many triviaul things have got me down in my life, …work, money, relationships ect, I first saw you on BBC News in the morning then your programe on Ch4, your spirit, personality and bravery plays on my mind day and night and puts all my own problems into prospective, so much so I now forget about them, you are a true beacon of light to the human spirit and such an amazing person in every way, it would be very nice to meet you one day but in the mean time I wish you all the very best and hope you find more hapiness than you could ever wish for. Howard XXXX
Katie, i just watched your documentary and felt so moved i had to leave a comment.
I cried throughout the documentary at what you’ve had to go through and am so impressed by your positive attitude to life. I’m the same age as you and you’ve really inspired me to live everyday to the full.
Good luck with everything you do: with your positive outlook and confidence i’m sure you can achieve anything you desire.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
P.S. I LOVE your black and white dress, it’s stunning!
Dear Katie, I watched your show and I was so moved, I had to write a comment to tell you how awe I am of you. I was born with a large port wine stain on my face and most of my body, and for the first part of my life ( I am now 30) I really struggled to come to terms with it but I did. I still have the odd day, but I know it is just the outside, what matters is my heart, that is where beauty is. But Katie, you are so beautiful, inside and out. Your courage is such an inspiration to me and to so many people. Be yourself, be proud, you are amazing! I wish so much for your future, you can do anything!
x Sharon
Katie
I just wanted to add to the huge support that has been shown since your documentary was shown. You are such an amazing beautiful (and i really mean that) girl, and i know that you will have so many amazing opportunities coming your way. You should be proud of how you have dealt with this horrendous ordeal, and i want to wish you and your family all the best for what life will bring to you. xxx
Hi Katie,
You have overwhelmed me. I still cannot get you out of my head and I wish I could do more to support you. Instantly I wanted to find out if you were involved in any charity work so I could donate to help victims who have suffered such devastation. Thats how much you moved me and I feel you have such a big impact on alot of people out there, you are an inspiration, an absolutley amazing and beautiful young woman. You do have a bright future ahead of you and YOU will make a big difference to this crazy unfair world we live in. You do deserve a pride of Britain award, you are helping others SO MUCH by and in my opinion you are still very much a model and an absolute role model. Everyone around you must be so proud of you. I wish you all the very best of luck
Katie has a beautiful face, and has a truly beautfiul way about her, she will have changed many, many many lives, for the better, with her film, she should be immensly proud of both it, and herself
Love, Luck & Happiness Katie
XXX
Omg you poor thing. I was completely disgusted watching your program. You are an amazing woman. Beauty is on the inside and you are beautiful. I rarely post or comment about tv shows but watching you and what you went through hit me hard ;(. Wish you all the Kate I’m sure you will have a good future. Xxx keep strong babes
Katie
Saw you on TV and think you are just amazing. Couldn’t stop crying at your plight and struggle and the thought of what one human being could do to another. It’s been said many times I’m sure, but you are a true inspiration and you should put your brevity and talent to use and remain in the public eye.
God bless you sweetheart,
Bill
Katie you are an amazing person with such a zest for life.I wish you well for the future and think you have a wonderful family and support network.I cried watching your moving story but know you will make a fantastic wife and mother someday.There is a lovely lucky guy out there somewhere just waiting to be found.Good luck in the future and i shall never moan about my spotty skin ever again.
Hello Katie,
I don’t know how to begin this email as i feel i have a little in common with you…?? and wonderd if i could email you and help you at all?? I have undergone fairly extensive surgery from about the age of twenty six up until now i am thirty five… I had two rare cancerous tumours removed and lost fifty percent of my mouth and lip areas… I know this is nothing!!! compared to what you have been through…!!! But as i write this i can understand how you feel and went through so many similar experiences to you.. The surgeons have done an amazing job on me, but i know how hard things can be.I am married now and have been for about four years. If i can help at all i would really like to email you or speak to you.I realise yours fears and can reassure you that i am a primary school teacher if that helps?? I hope we will be able to chat at some point and i could help you? Your a truely brave and special person, Kinds regards Lucy Greene
Katie.
I have read every word with mixed feelings. On the one hand I feel extremely angry that you or anyone should be on the receiving end of such atrocities.
I wonder still at humanity when such acts, whether in war or in civil life can still take place and what mind set those who commit these awful acts have.
But that you have such strength to give credit to the police, doctors and your family and in spite of the massive changes in your life you are so positive.
You’re an inspiration to us all.
Just get as much joy as you can everyday and create joy for others.
Thanks for your story. Take good care.From Sweden, we send all our love.
Hello Katie,
I watched your program and I can honestly say your still a pretty women, you have had the inner strength to battle against this problem in your life,so hold your head up high when you walk out in to the streets as I am sure the whole country is behind you now, its to late that you had met this cowerdly scum so keep on going you have being such an inspiration to a lot of people and there is no doubt you will find a good fellow to be with
good luck, Clive
oh my god. your such an ispiration. i cant begin to explain how much i admire your courage and push for life. how could anyone do this too such a beautiful girl such as yourself? well only a sick twisted individual would know the answer. keep going girl, your doing so well.
and remember your still beautiful!
<3 xxx
Hiya Katie,
I just wanted to start be saying i have never posted a comment on the internet ever before but since watching the programme i cant stop thinking about you and your wonderful family. i cannot belive how much of an inspiration you are, you are fantastic and you should be really proud of yourself. Please dont hide away at home because you are such a beautiful person on the outside and in, and if people cant see that then there not worth bothering about. You look fantastic considering what you have been through over the last year or so.
You have touched the hearts of many and you should be so proud of yourself!
luv ya Sam x x
Hiya Katie,
I just wanted to start be saying i have never posted a comment on the internet ever before but since watching the programme i cant stop thinking about you and your wonderful family. i cannot belive how much of an inspiration you are, you are fantastic and you should be really proud of yourself. Please dont hide away at home because you are such a beautiful person on the outside and in, and if people cant see that then there not worth bothering about. You look fantastic considering what you have been through over the last year or so.
You have touched the hearts of many and you should be so proud of yourself!
luv ya Sam x x
I am in ore of you Katie you are simply amazing, i cried my heart out watching that documentry you are the bravest strongest person ever, and have dealt with an enormous life changing situation incredibly.
I can only simply ditto the other comments and say what an inspiration, brave and amazing person you are.
Thankyou.x
Hi Katie
I think you are beautiful; i don’t think you can ever doubt that you are a beautiful person, because you show so much dignity and strength and humour and kindness all through the program. But when you have bad days and worry about the way you look I hope that the comments here will help you, i kept looking at your face and thinking “she is beautiful, she looks so pretty” and i’m not saying this in a patronising way, I really think you do, you have scars but I honestly believe that they don’t make you ugly, there is something childlike and innocent about your face which is so attractive. I hope one day you’ll feel that your face belongs to you, and to your efforts to get healed and to your family’s and the doctors’ efforts. I wish you all the best, I’m sure you will find a good man, you truly deserve one, and he will be a lucky man to have such gorgeous woman.
best of luck with all your plans xx
My wife and I watched the programme on Channel 4. Katie and her family are to be congratulated by the way that they have managed to endure so much during this past 18 months. What a strong family. We thought that Katie has an inner strength and beauty that shines through despite her injuries. By the end of the programme we were full of admiration for her. With such courage we predict a happy life ahead…..back on TV?….Why not?…
Dear Katie,
I just watched your documentary. Please believe me when I say you are still beautiful. The beauty of the person you are absolutely shone through.
Please don’t give up hope. Every day that you live your life is a spit in the face to the people who did this to you, who can only be described as evil.
I don’t know you, but I wish I did. I would be proud to call you a friend.
Love and best wishes,
Suzanne
I Was Shcoked When I Watched The Programe I Couldent Belive What Happend.
You Are So Brave And I Admire You.
Your So Pretty And Even After Every Think That Has Happend You Are Still Beautifull, I Wish You The Best In Life And Carry On Being Strong Girl
Love And Best Wishes
<3
Dear Katie
Like many of the e-mails before mine i am also compelled to write to you and inform you of my thoughts about you and the programme which was shown on television.I watched the programme in horror in what someone can do to another and the sheer brutality,coldness and violence that this so-called human being inflicted upon you.Then during the programme it also became quite clear of just how strong and beautiful you are as a person.Your determination and strength is truly a gift you potrayed to the Whole of the United Kingdom and the manner you conducted yourself in,was a credit to both you and your Loving Family.I wish you all the success there is in this World and truly hope you find happiness again.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
Regards
Luke – London
Dear Katie, I really dont think i can say anything that hasnt already been said. I loved watching your programme. It showed that even when confronted with the biggest travesty you can get through it. You are inspirational to everyone who saw your programme and no doubt everyone who has met you. I dont think you need sympathy and pity you need congratulations and encouragement. You come across as a very strong person. Someone i will definately learn something from. And can i say, when you dressed up all girly for your party, you looked gorgeous, really gorgeous. I had a tear of sadness which quickly turned into a tear of happiness for you and your lovely family! Take care, and the best of luck with everything in your future. I recognised West Quay in your programme, am i right??!!
Best wishes
thomcromar@hotmail.com
dear katie..i also agree with what everybody else has written–you are truly inspirational and very brave.it’s awful to see how evil and cruel some people can be-i know you did say that you feel that he has left his mark forever, but katie some people have a natural va va voom and you my lovely have it in bucket loads-he can’t take your spirit from you and your natural beauty shines through-i think noone will be surprised to see you on our tv screens again-this time presenting!You would be perfect for fashion and beauty-you were born to do it-lots of love take care xx
i cannot beileve what has happened to you, its awful.
why would someone want to do that to such a beautifull girl like you? “/
your so brave…
i wotched the program on the telly “katie my beautifull face”.
i hope everything is ok for you,
Katie, I don’t normally post on line but your documentary has prompted me to do so for the first time.
I’m not particularly good with words but I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your courage and determination.
You are truly beautiful inside and out and I know there is one lucky fellow out there waiting to love and protect you.
I wish you all the very best for your future and good luck with all that you do.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Take care Katie x
Hi Katie,
I just wanted to say that you are a diamond! As everyone has already said, you are a true inspiration! I watched your documentry and noticed how beautiful your personality was. You are so brave and strong and it really did show! I want you to know that you are still beautiful both inside and out!
My prayers are with you and I know that your courage will get you through this and help you move on and have a wonderful life!
PS You have such lovely hair!
Hello Katie,
I just want to say how much i cried when i saw what happened to you. you are an innocent young girl,and you don’t deserve what has happened. My heart and soul goes out to you. these people deserve to be castrated and killed brutally. May the Almighty God continue to protect and bless you., and make you strong for the journey ahead.
Hi Katie,
Just wanted to pass on my sincere best wishes to you and your family. I watched your program and saw a beautiful stylish brave girl come through overwhelming traumas as rape and then the subsequent attack and journey of recovery. You showed such grace. I wish you every happiness. oxoxo
I was very angry when i read what had happened to you in the paper and thought what kind of monster would do this. They should both be locked up and forgotten forever. Nobody deserves what happen’d to you. Your very brave and inspirational, i really wish you all the best for the future & hope your attackers rot in hell.
This Man Derseves Alot More Than He Has Got, The Death Sentence Should Be Back!!
How Can A Human Being Do Such A Cruel Thing To A Person
This Has Made Me More Aware Of Meeting New People.
Katie I Think Your Such A Strong Person And A Great Roll Model Forr Young Women.
I Will Always Rember This In My Years To Come As It Makes Me More Aware
I Truly Send My Love Katie.
Ur Still A Stunner-x
I had to leave a message for Kate and let her know just how much she has helped me. I sobbed like a baby when I saw this documetary. If it helps – the reason it made such an impact – My dad died suddenly in September, and when I was young he was really quite a horrible dad and dispicable husband to my mum. As I have had children of my own i have let it all go, and I thought I was over it, but when he died, it turned my world upside down and made all the bad stuff surface. I have modelled when I was younger and had an enormous amount of attention from men and feel happy in my own skin. I realised that i completely took this for granted, and after seeing this amazing insight into a unexpected new way of life, I will nbever take anything for granted again. Kate has been so strong and still carries herself and looks so beautiful. She will not let this beat her and that is such a great inspiration. Go Kate! I am so sorry you have had to go through this due to one persons insecurity and issue. Well done – keep working hard and you wil be just fine xxx and thank you for providing my crisis with perspective xx