An acid attack survivor was hailed a ‘true inspiration’ by Loose Women viewers after she shared her harrowing story on live TV.
Katie Gee, of north London, was just 18 years old and volunteering at a school in Zanzibar when she and her friend Kirstie Trup were doused in acid in an unprovoked attack by two men on a moped.
The right side of Katie’s face and body were completely burnt while her right ear was left shrivelled. In the five years since Katie has undergone 70 operations – many of them gruelling 12-hour skin grafts – and last month she was given a new right year.
Today Katie, now 23, appeared on Loose Women to recall the terrifying minutes after the attack and the ordeal that ensued to bring her back to the UK.
Katie Gee, of north London, was just 18 years old and volunteering at a school in Zanzibar when she and her friend Kirstie Trup were doused in acid in an unprovoked attack by two men on a moped. Miss Gee, now 23, appeared on Loose Women today (pictured) to share her story
The right side of Katie’s face and body were completely burnt while her right ear was left shrivelled after the attack. Pictured, Katie’s injuries on August 8, 2013, when she was admitted to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital after being airlifted back from Zanzibar
Miss Gee, who graduated from Nottingham Trent University last year, was praised by Loose Women viewers who hailed her a ‘true inspiration’. She was also compared to fellow acid attack survivor Katie Piper, who has also gone on to promote inclusive view of beauty
The graduate, who is launching a social media campaign celebrating beauty diversity, was praised by viewers who hailed her ‘gorgeous’ and a ‘true inspiration’.
One compared her to fellow acid attack survivor Katie Piper, who has gone on to work as a body positive activist promoting an inclusive view of beauty.
‘Katie gee like @KatiePiper_ is a true inspiration to all out there,’ one tweeted. ‘Going through the what they did and the strength and courage they show now, is an example to all. Two positive role models, for all young ladies/women/girls out there.’
Another posted: ‘So much respect for #katiegee on @loosewomen absolutely gorgeous girl! If you haven’t watched this interview already, watch it NOW!’
Loose Women panelists Anne Diamond and Linda Robson, pictured, praised Miss Gee’s attitude towards her attack and her wish to help others following her ordeal
Loose Women viewers commented on how ‘beautiful’ and ‘amazing’ Miss Gee is online
A third added: ‘Watching Katie Gee bless her heart why she went through ,glad in way she come through it but hope noone has to ever go through that, amazing young lady ,well done you.’
Speaking on Loose Women today, Katie recalled the day of the attack in Stone Town, the island’s capital, in August 2013.
She said: ‘ We were on our way out for dinner, it was so quiet as everyone was inside praying, it was the last night of Ramadan.
‘We were on a 15 minute walk to the restaurant. Within five minutes two guys on a moped came to my right hand side, threw acid and drove off straight away. Within seconds.
Dozens showed their support for Miss Gee after she appeared on the ITV programme today
‘One of the guys on the back gave a smile, but that was it, a bit sadistic, but that was it.’
Katie described how her ‘survival instinct’ prompted her to run across the road to a cafe where she showered before she was taken to a hospital.
Remarkably she had the wherewithal to check the quality of the equipment and, realising that the needles were not properly sterilised, opted against any intravenous treatment.
Katie is pictured with a child in Zanzibar on August 7, 2013. The teenager had been volunteering at a school when she and her friend Kirstie Trup were doused in acid
She said: ‘The pain was obscene but in the first hospital it was so run down, all the needles were open, so I didn’t want to have a needle.’
After being briefly taken to a second hospital, Katie was eventually airlifted back to the UK, with the aircraft making four stops to refuel en route.
She was admitted to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she began the long road of treatment and recovery, helped by a dedicated team of medical staff.
Miss Gee heavily bandaged in her bed at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital August 18, 2013
During the first three years after the attack, she had to wear a plastic face mask and full body compression suit for 23 hours a day.
Speaking earlier this month, Katie said: ‘In the first few years I barely went out,’ Katie says.
‘I had no confidence. People would stare and it makes you feel ugly and different, like a spectacle. I’ve come such a long way in five years.’
Last month Katie became the proud owner of a new right ear, masterfully sculpted from tissue from one of her ribs.