Former model who survived an acid attack shares powerful 10-Year Challenge post
Making its mark as the first viral trend of 2019, the 10-Year Challenge has undoubtedly taken the social media world by storm.
But while some people have been using the challenge to laugh at how goofy their younger selves were or to show how little they’ve aged, one woman has taken a different approach.
In 10 years, former U.K. model Katie Piper has gone through a dramatic recovery after suffering horrific burns to her face and neck from a devastating acid attack in 2008.
A post shared by K A T I E P I P E R (@katiepiper_) on Jan 15, 2019 at 2:45pm PST
In her 2009 picture, Piper stares away from the camera as a black mask covers her scarred face. The present-day photo on the right, however, was taken after a decade of laser treatment and recovery.
“Don’t let this challenge create anxiety within you about ageing — it’s an absolute privilege,” she wrote alongside the hashtags #lifeisprecious and #humanbodyisamazing.
The brutal attack — which took place on the streets of London — had been carried out by a man unknown to Piper, though it was later revealed that her then-boyfriend had planned the whole thing.
A post shared by K A T I E P I P E R (@katiepiper_) on Jan 16, 2019 at 11:06am PST
At just 25 years of age, Piper was left blind in one eye and put in an induced coma for 12 days as doctors tried to save as much of her skin as possible.
Now 35, she has undergone over 40 operations to restore her sight and improve her scars, and in the meantime, managed to start the Katie Piper Foundation, become a mom to two children, write her own book and speak out for other victims of acid attacks.
Her followers on social media — which have grown significantly throughout her journey — were quick to praise her inspiring words.
“You are such a brave woman, so admirable!” wrote one person. “You are the inspiration for many women. I am really proud of how much you have [grown] as a person.”
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