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Just When You Thought You Couldn't Love Her Anymore: Katie Piper Helps Save The Life Of A Suicidal Marine

Just When You Thought You Couldn't Love Her Anymore: Katie Piper Helps Save The Life Of A Suicidal Marine

The acid-attack survivor worked as a special constable for Channel 4's 'Famous and Fighting Crime' and helped talk down a suicidal veteran

Amelia Jones

Amelia Jones

Philanthropist, television presenter and former model Katie Piper helped save an ex-soldier with PTSD who was threatening to shoot himself while filming Famous and Fighting Crime for Channel 4 which airs this evening.

In dramatic scenes, the mum of two and acid-attack survivor is seen working as a frontline special constable and is called to help talk down a suicidal army veteran. Thankfully, Katie and the team were able to help the man and offer him support before he harmed himself.

Katie says helping him was the highlight of her stint on the show and explained: "We were there as one human to another, to listen and give him time, which is such a valuable currency."

The incident unfolds in Channel 4's Famous and Fighting Crime series and led to her reliving her terrifying acid attack ordeal in 2008.

Katie was diagnosed with PTSD in the aftermath and claims her own experience was crucial as she spoke to the soldier going through similar emotions.

"Coming face to face with someone with PTSD is always heartbreaking," she admitted.

"Mine was so bad in the beginning it made feel like if anyone came close to me they might do something to me - they could kill me. It makes you feel under threat. It took me two and half years to get past severe PTSD.

"Not being able to leave home, not being able to be around males, not being able to be approached by strangers, unable to sleep for the first years. So I do understand.

"You don't get fixed and move on. Mine was lurking at the back.

Channel 4

In the series, in which celebrities go out to help police deal with real 999 calls, Katie also had to dash into a burning building to help rescue people living there.

She explains that doing that went against her instincts after the 2008 attack in which her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch arranged for accomplice Stefan Sylvestre to throw sulphuric acid into her face, which caused third-degree burns and blinded her in one eye.

"I vowed I'd never put myself in danger again, and then here I am putting myself in the thick of it," she says. "I was really going outside my comfort zone, but I believe that's a healthy thing.

"It was difficult, but I believe it's important it wasn't just about the police. I was also interested in the people committing the crime and the victims, understanding we are all one life decision or life-changing thing away from becoming that person who may be in a desperate situation."

The mum of two says her time on the show gave her a deeper respect for what the police do, and how they control their emotions in such a difficult situation.

"They have to just get on with it, checking in with themselves and burying their own issues while wearing that uniform," she explains. "We should celebrate the police, they are superhuman.

"I have added admiration for them as they have to look after their mental wellbeing. They're so vulnerable to PTSD and depression. They're doing the job because they care about safety and people being wronged.

"We have police, fire and ambulance but we need one for mental health. The police aren't equipped for it. It shouldn't be put on to them because it's not fair."

Famous and Fighting Crime airs this Monday at 9pm on Channel 4.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Topics: Entertainment, News, TV & Film