The TV presenter, author and Loose Women star was just 24 when she survived the horrific attack in March 2008. Since then, Katie has undergone hundreds of operations and has spoken openly about the long physical and emotional journey that followed.
This week, Katie posted a series of powerful photos on Instagram, reflecting on the past 18 years and the life she has rebuilt.
Over one recent photo of herself smiling, Katie wrote: “This is the same girl who survived at 24 and was told that was the extent of what her life would be.”
She then shared a before-and-after image showing her earlier recovery and a more recent photo, adding: “But she defied the odds and came back stronger than ever.”
Katie also looked back at her TV career, her first book, her charity work through the Katie Piper Foundation, and her family life with husband Richard Sutton and their daughters Belle, 11, and Penelope, eight.
In her caption, Katie wrote: “Sometimes you’ve got to come back stronger than ever and prove everyone, including yourself, wrong.”
Fans and famous friends quickly filled the comments with love. Ashley James wrote: “You are an inspiration.” Julia Bradbury added: “Still beautiful and always inspiring.”
One fan said: “You are such an inspiration Katie!” while another wrote: “You truly are a joy, an inspiration to so many & a true angel in disguise.”
