Writer

Not a day goes past when I don't think how grateful I am I survived, that I recovered and that I feel like a young woman again.

I was a torch carrier in the 2012 Paralympics and every time I thought 'I can't do this' I would look at the blade runners and the athletes and wheelchairs think, okay, I can run.

I don't want people to feel sorry for me or pity me - I want people to know that what got me through was human spirit and everyone has that in them.

You are always bigger than the problem, the problem can never be bigger than you.

When you're on you're way into work, hit up the WhatsApp, find out what people want, and bring in a real coffee for everyone. Trust me when I say they will all really appreciate it.

I'm self-sufficient, but it's brilliant to have people in your life that you love, who love you and are important to you.

I was writing for myself, not to be published. I was writing diaries, even letters, to myself or to anyone I was angry at. Sometimes they weren't to a person, they were just to the universe - a bit like penning daydreams or isolated thoughts.

I was living alone, so I'd get quite lonely and running became a way to combat my loneliness and de-stress.

I'm so lucky that I've always been able to laugh about things, even at my very lowest times.

I don't have the answer to finding the balance because I think, well, maybe successful people don't switch off.

Since the attack I have undergone over 250 operations to improve my physical functioning.

The world is more competitive and social media drives this. It's woman against woman when it comes to appearance, possessions and friendship circles.

I don't think many people stare at people in wheelchairs because we see it regularly. I suppose if you see more in the media it will take away the curiosity.

I think the most hectic time in my house is about six o'clock in the morning, our sausage dog starts howling and barking and scratching to wake us all up - no alarms needed.

I feel like I've lived two or three completely different lives. At 33, I'm quite reflective and have the perspective you get in your old age when you have been through the losses of life.

I've come to the conclusion that we're all responsible for our own happiness and the happiness in your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. I'm a big believer in positive thinking.

It makes me very happy that people's perceptions of what's beautiful and attractive are gradually changing.

I will continue to need operations and therapy for life. For acid attack survivors, the aftermath is a life sentence.

The important things for me are stability, consistency and love, and I have that through my family, so that's a great place to be.

Everyone contacts me with the same questions: how can I be more confident? How can I get over my anxiety? And, without being preachy, I do believe that diet is so key.