Last Night’s TV – Katie: My Beautiful Face
Channel 4’s Cutting Edge is of course renowned for bringing to our screens moving, emotive and thought provoking films, but this must be one of the most alternately desperately sad and incredibly inspiring that I’ve ever seen.
Katie Piper’s life changed when she was attacked; sulphuric acid was thrown in her face by way of revenge from a jilted boyfriend. He determined that he would ruin her life, and he tried, but ultimately, he hasn’t succeeded because for as much as Katie’s life is now very different, the surgeon, Mohammad Ali Jawad, who was hailed as a “medical miracle” is helping her piece back together her beautiful face.
And he’s done a remarkable job already, even though Katie still faces many more painful, frightening stages in her recovery from that vicious attack. During the programme, we saw Katie’s journey from just before the attack to present day, when the boyfriend who arranged the attack – and the attacker – were each given life sentences for what they did to Katie.
It’s really not enough because life doesn’t mean life in our justice system. It’s another issue for another day, but her attackers should suffer for as long as Katie does, and that’s going to be forever in some ways.
It’s very hard not to say, “this poor girl” when referring to Katie but I feel to do so would be patronising rather than sympathetic, but as a mother of a girl of Katie’s age, it’s very, very hard not to take a maternal standpoint. That said though, because of something that happened in my own life, I can also empathise with Katie’s anger and frustration that someone else has the power to radically alter everything you are.
In my case, my heart failure was induced by a prescription drug. My ‘attacker’ a faceless pharmaceutical company to whom I’m nothing more than ‘post-marketing data’. Those at the helm of that company will have no idea, nor care, what they’ve done to my life, how massive the change has been. And in Katie’s case, she too must rail against the fact that someone else is responsible for changing her life beyond recognition.
It causes a singular anger that’s hard to understand for someone who hasn’t had their entire world tipped on its axis by someone else.
But of course for Katie, it was personal, it was a vendetta and it was of course markedly more outwardly obvious in outcome, but the principle is the same on some levels. So if you should happen to be reading this Katie, I’d like you to know that I understood your frustration when you were talking to your wonderful mum in hospital about how your life is, or was, just a process of recovery.
And again, I’m hesitant to write the following words for they seem patronising and trite, but they aren’t meant to be; by losing her “beautiful face”, Katie’s beautiful personality has been fully realised, and it will take her far, in whatever she chooses to do.
She’s a wonderful, warm, intelligent young woman who’s been through more than many of us could ever comprehend, but by the end of the programme, her face was looking amazing. She was also beginning to take charge of – and banish – the fear that’s followed her like a shadow since the attack. She began to go out alone and returned to a love of clothes, make-up and hair. And it was intensely uplifting to watch.
Katie’s family are a very solid foundation from which she can take the strength needed to rebuild her life and reinvent herself, and though I cried at many of the scenes in this film, I’m so happy for Katie that she’s now had the justice she was so desperate for and can now begin the process of taking back her life.
But Katie’s mum, as she herself said in the film, must now go through the often very painful process of letting Katie go again. It’s hard for any mum to let go of the baby she inevitably sees in the face of her child, no matter that child’s age, but for Katie’s mum, it’s the second time around. But she too has a core of steel and I’m sure it will see her through the many dark moments.
The journey we witnessed in this film was a very personal one, and I feel a vote of thanks is due to Katie and her family for sharing it with us. I hope Katie will find everything she’s looking for and that her courage will be an inspiration to others. And I’m sure it will.
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Awwww that was so sad…but a lovley read.
Right! I`d better go get me pumpkin incase they sell out!
Having watched last nights programme,i was absolutely horrified by the sickening & unprovoked attack on Katie.I sincerely hope you continue in your quest to regain your beautiful looks.In my opinion you still look gorgeous anyway.It is good that you have your family around you to help & support you.It made me think that any problems i may encounter in life are totally insignificant compared to what you have had to endure.I sincerely wish you all the very best for your future.Last nights programme was difficult to watch at times,but compulsive non the less.You are a very special girl……
Katie, if you ever read this i just want to say i watched your programme last nite and you are one of the bravest, most beautiful women I have ever seen. You can be a normal 25 year old like me! You gave me hair and nail envy! As a size 16 I wish I had your tiny figure, I know that doesn’t compare to what you went through but I guess what I mean is we are all unhappy with what we have in one way or another. You are great and have an amazing army of friends. I hope one day you find happiness with someone as special as you xxxx
Katie
You are still a beautiful woman inside and outside.Any man would be proud to have you by their side.You have shown a courage that transends anything i have witnesssed in my life.I wish you the best of luck and hope you achieve everything in life you wish for.You deserve it.
I found this truly moving. What a brave and beautiful lady. It is amazing what humans can survive, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Katie’s beauty is there shining out. She is so very brave.
Forgot to mention in last post taht I am a trainey homeopath. If you do read this Katie, I wondered if you’ve used any alternative form of treatment such as homeopathy or acupuncture. They can help enormously with any locked away emtions and also with healing.
I never normally feel so strongly about a television program that I want to make a comment. I think Kate is an incredible person and is a role model for all young women.
Her determination and strength of character is amazing and I hope she goes on to live a happy and successful life.
I too watched this programme and have really thought about nothing else since. Having had a botched operation on my face to remove a cyst, and making a near full recovery, I can complete understand how Katie felt and feels.
Katie, if you read this, one thing that could never be taken away from you, by anyone, is the absolute beauty that radiates from you, and your “now” (as opposed to your old) face. You are now beauty beyond belief.
I am sure that your life will be a full, happy and loved one.
Annette
I watched this programme last night and was very moved at just how much Katie has had to go through. By the end of the programme you tend not to look at her scars but at the beautful person she is.
Good luck Katie and keep being positive!!!
After watching the programme about Katie Piper last night I have been moved to wish Katie all the best for the future, she will be a total success in whatever she chooses to do. From being an attractive young woman and having to endure horrific injuries she has blossomed into a beautiful and mature woman. I do not feel sympathy for her, I feel pride for her, she proves beauty is not just skin deep. Katie if you ever read this just remember that in your heart beats a very strong heart and passion to survive, your mother, father and sister must be very, very proud of you. You are a tribute to us all.
what an extremely brave young woman. she has suffered so much, yet the person who threw the acid only got 12 years and she will have to suffer for this all her life – he should have been executed and the “boyfriend” as well. We do not need these people on our streets. Good luck to Katie, you have a super family behind you. Keep going and i am sure you will have a great life.
great girl – you deserve the best
i m really sorry for her, but really, life doesn’t end, she shouldn’t think that her life is over just bcoz of this. its a bit shallow. she should be thankful shes alive.
Utterly astounded by Katies story! She is so witty despite her trauma and WILL be successful in the future. I have the highest admiration for her family – they are so reserved and respectful. She really is lovely in every way and is still far more beautiful than most of the people I know. Good luck with everything Katie x
Katy, you are a remarkable brave person. I hope that sharing your story has in some way helped to heal the hurt and the pain of this horrific attack on you. I too lost my face at 25yrs old. I was in a road traffic accident. The damage to my face has stayed with me, although my appearance has improved over the years. I’ve lost count now of how many operatons I’ve had. Yes, hospital does become a second home, but I promise you that your life will return to normal again. Just remember that time seems so long at the moment, but its only a short time really as you’ve got a long life ahead of you yet. Plastic surgery has so advanced since my accident in 1989. You are still a very very beautifl girl. Don’t ever give up even though you feel your life will never be the same again. It will just take on a new direction and you will find happiness again.
I had the fortune of meeting Katie (once). I remember going to do some freelance work at a studio Katie had not long started working for.
Katie – you were strikingly beautiful then… and now – now your beauty radiates through your entire being.
One can only imagine the psycological and emotional impact this incident has had on your life… the physical scars are evident, but they seem to make you even more of a beauty to behold.
There is a gift in there for you… all the trauma and pain has an opposite side, keep pushing through – you will break through and beyond to your wildest dreams!
Keep on smiling Katie…
I salute you.
Katie, I was incredibly moved by your film. You are beautiful, warm and lovely and you will find that someone as special and deserving as you are. Your optimism and upbeat nature despite the pain and frequent hospital trips could not fail to make all the things i worry about seem so trivial in contrast.
Beauty is skin deep and you should be so proud of the steps you have taken to get where you are now, I admire you and with a fantastic personality like yours, I have no doubts that you will come away from your trauma stronger, compassionate and with all the success and wishes that you want from your life.
Stay positive!! xx
Katie,
I hope that one day you will read all of these very encourgaing comments which i am sure will help you gain the confidence to truly feel beautiful, what we seen shining through last night!
I found myself thinking of you all day, thinking about the trauma you have been so brave to come through. I have extremely high admiration for you, you truly are a very brave girl!
I think that you have truly touched everyone who had the opportunity to share your experiences through watching the documentary.
No doubt in my mind you truly are very beautiful and a remarkable person. My best wishes to you and your family for the future!
You go girl!!!!
xxxxx
I would just like to say to you katie what a amazing lady you are i was watching the programme with my husband and all i keep saying is all this lady has been through and she is smiling and laughing still, i know you cant be sad and miserable because in the end not only does it eat you up the men that did this win. I would just like to say you have changed the way i look at things so much by one programme, as my husband would say i am a miserable cow i moan about silly things and worry about stupid things. Well it stops now all down to you for you are a brave and beautiful girl and i hope you live your life to the full.
You have the most amazing family and friends, good luck and i will always remember you.
Thank you
x
Katie, very sad, hope the future plans and on going treatment work. keep fighthing. best of luck.
Mark – Australia
Katie, you are an inspiration to every one who needs hope. There are always stars in the sky however only a few shine.
May you shine, I was truly touched.
Surinder
By the end of the program, the bit where Katie was having a party with her family and friends, her face looked totally normal to me, I couldn’t tell that there were scars, the surgeon must be a genius.