Writer

Always, always, always pass a good book along on to somebody else.

But I like a challenge, anything I can't do it inspires me to learn it.

I am so much more than what happened to me. I'm a mother and a businesswoman; I run a charity that supports others overcoming adversity; and, most importantly, I'm happy.

I've got a shadow on the lung as a result of being in intensive care, so I find running quite hard. I breathe mainly through my mouth because my nose is damaged, so I keep swallowing flies.

People always go on about me being an inspiration, which is nice. But it's an unrealistic pedestal to be put on. There are other people out there who have had things happen to them, not just me.

I really cherish my family life, because at one point I never thought I'd have it.

There were times after the accident when I felt very lonely - burns survivors can feel terrible isolation. I wanted to create something that connects us all together, so that was the idea behind the Katie Piper Foundation.

But like everyone else I've come to the sad realisation food banks are an all-too-common feature on the streets of Britain.

The main reason I started The Katie Piper Foundation was because I had treatment abroad that I wanted other burns survivors in this country to have access to.

I know how hard it is to be bullied about a part of yourself that you can't change, or just because of who you are. It can turn you into an angry and bitter person.

Writing my first book, 'Beautiful,' was the time that I was able to write the truth of it - that I was despairing at times, that I got depressed and felt like I couldn't cope. Writing became about being honest.

My book 'Things Get Better' has normalised the idea that it's OK to fail and it's OK to seek professional help from psychologists.

It shouldn't be down to charities to be the sole help for those who fall through the cracks.

My biggest source of inspiration is my mum.

Before I was attacked, I would write about the future - just goals, lists and plans. I'd scribble without depth or substance about the things I wanted to do with my life, whether short or long-term, and how I thought my future would be: a successful career in TV and modelling, marriage, a family.

What we put in our bodies can make us feel depressed or anxious, and it's the same for fitness, I think it all joins up in this big circle.

My dad and sister are vegetarian and I was brought up as one, but I ate a bit of fish and meat. After the attack my oesophagus melted and I had to have plastic stents put into my throat to rebuild it, so I couldn't swallow and I was fed via a high-calorie drip through my stomach.

I meet many inspiring individuals who have worked hard to rebuild their lives after an attack; however, it can be hard to stay motivated when the justice system does not always reflect the severity of these crimes.

At home around my husband, I totally forget I'm burnt and how I look.

In March 2008, when I was 24 years old, a man I had been dating arranged for an accomplice to throw sulphuric acid in my face.