There’s no denying that Katie Piper is one of the most inspirational and courageous women we know.
In 2008, the beautiful young model and TV presenter was raped by her former boyfriend after she spurned his advances.
He then arranged for another man to throw sulphuric acid in her face as she left her London home.
The shocking attack melted away her nose, left ear and eyelids, burned her mouth, tongue, arms, hand, neck and cleavage, damaged a lung, and left her blinded in one eye.
Katie’s injuries were so horrific she was expected to die.
But, over 200 operations later, Katie has proven to be a survivor... and a true inspiration.
She has since gone on to set up the Katie Piper Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping burns victims.
She has also written an inspiring book, fronted many campaigns about self-acceptance, earned a degree, and welcomed a beautiful little girl with her husband, James Sutton.
And, more importantly, Katie is always keen to pay tribute to other brave survivors from all around the world.
Which is why, this week, she decided to raise awareness about Dana Vulin, the woman who was turned into a ‘human fireball’ by a jealous wife.
Sharing a photograph of Dana on her Instagram, Katie captioned the shot: “My #WCW [Woman Crush Wednesday] is @dana_vulin.
“Strength, beauty and determination exude from this woman.
“The way she approaches and lives life is not only inspirational but motivational for us all.”
On 16th February 2012, Dana Vulin’s life changed forever.
She was at home alone, sleeping on her sofa, when she awoke to find Natalie Dimitrovska - the jealous estranged wife of a man Dan had met months earlier - standing over her.
According to court testimonials, Natalie - who was high on drugs at the time - angrily accused Dana of having an affair with her husband.
She then threw a bottle of methylated spirits over Dana while the latter was holding an open flame lamp.
Dana instantly caught fire.
Dana was left in agonising pain, with serious burns to two-thirds of her body – from the top of her head to the top of her legs.
She was forced to wear a pressure mask for two and a half years, as she underwent extensive reconstructive surgery.
And, in 2014, she bravely unveiled her face for the first time on Channel Seven’s Sunday Night show.
The inspiring young woman said: “I'm going to make this burn my bitch, I'm going to kick it in the face and I am going to rock scars, look hot with my scarred-up body and just make this work.
“It would've been easier to die but I've never taken the easy road to anything so. It is the hardest, rockiest, biggest mountain you can possibly think of.”
She added: “I am a strong person, and more than anything that I've learnt in my burn is that I will never change and I know the person I am, and I’m confident in the woman that I am.”
Natalie Dimitrovska has since been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Dana, meanwhile, has gone on to forge a career as a professional motivational speaker and, much like Katie Piper, she has given hope to burns victims all over the world.
Read more about the inspiring Australian on her website now.