Katie Piper, the broadcaster and campaigner, has hit a milestone she never thought possible as she turns 40, reflecting on the harrowing events that nearly ended her life 17 years ago. Speaking to , the star expressed her astonishment at society's negative views on women ageing, especially after in her twenties.

"It was quite shocking for me, because turning 40 was only ever positive," Piper remarked. "It was a celebration of my life and reaching a milestone I never thought I'd reach." At the age of 24, Piper sustained severe injuries in an acid attack . Just two days following his brutal assault and rape, he had Stefan Sylvestre, then 19, douse her with sulphuric acid.

The assault resulted in extensive burns and irreversible damage for Piper, including the loss of her nose, part of her ear, eyelids, and partial sight in one eye. She underwent treatment at a specialist burns unit in London, where she received groundbreaking reconstructive surgery, including the UK's inaugural use of a synthetic skin substitute to restore her face.

Piper also needed multiple surgeries for her mouth and tongue. Despite the gravity of her injuries, she has carved out a notable career in broadcasting and as a spokesperson.

Following the attack, Katie Piper chose to give up her right to anonymity, recounting her story in the documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face, which brought widespread attention to acid attacks nationwide.

In 2009, Piper founded The Katie Piper Foundation, providing support to burns survivors through rehabilitation and care. Her dedication was acknowledged in 2022 when she received an OBE for her charitable work with victims of burns and other disfigurements.

She became a panellist on ITV's Loose Women in 2021 and had previously participated in in 2018. Piper has also authored a best-selling autobiography, using her platform to highlight visible differences and resilience.

Although Piper acknowledged that her public profile originated from the attack, she stressed that she doesn't want her accomplishments to be defined solely by it.

"It's not like I'm an actress or a pop star," she said. "I came to public attention as a news story, as a victim of a violent crime. I hope, 17 years on, I'm doing something different, but I think it's probably unfair of me to say, 'I don't want to talk about the burns and the attack anymore.'"

She added: "I think it's more that I don't want to attribute my success [since] to that man's actions against me."

Following her recovery, Piper married carpenter Richard Sutton, and they have two daughters, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7. The couple had aspirations for a third child but had to reconsider after Piper underwent urgent eye surgery.

Daniel Lynch was found guilty of rape, grievous bodily harm, and actual bodily harm, and was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. Sylvestre was given a life sentence with a minimum of six years and was released in 2018 after serving nine years.

Lynch is due to appear before a parole board next month.

Piper continues her advocacy for better understanding and support for those living with visible differences and remains dedicated to using her platform to promote greater inclusivity and resilience in public life.