'The kindness of strangers got me through dark days after acid attack'

KATIE Piper says kindness from strangers carried her through her darkest days after her acid attack so now she wants to do all she can to support vulnerable people.

- By Lucy Johnston

SCARRED: Katie after the attack. Left, with friend Simon Cowell

The former model, who was targeted by an ex-boyfriend in 2008, spoke on the eve of hosting the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards tonight in London.

She reflected on how her experiences have shaped her mission to help those who are “different, disadvantaged or forgotten”.

“I experienced a wave of kindness from people that I didn’t even know,” she told the Sunday Express.

“The NHS, the charities, the British public - they reached out and supported me.

The more you come together, the stronger you are together. Great things can be done.”

This will be the first time she has hosted the awards celebrating achievements in entertainment and raising funds for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Among those honoured are Leah Williamson, 28, captain of England's Euro 2025-winning football team and singer Petula Clark, 92.