Katie Piper, a survivor of a horrific acid attack, used Channel 4’s “alternative Christmas message” slot (an alternative to the Queen’s traditional broadcast) to urge people to cherish what they have now. She encouraged viewers to “appreciate the beautiful things and the beautiful people you have in your life now.”

Before the attack, Piper had worked as a model and aspired to be a television host.  She later featured in the documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face, which earned widespread public support and thousands of messages of encouragement.

The attack dramatically changed her life. After her ex‑boyfriend Daniel Lynch raped her, he arranged for another man to throw acid in her face.  The acid burned through all four layers of skin on her face, affected her throat, and left her blind in one eye. Over the years, she has undergone more than 30 surgeries to reconstruct her face and restore function to her throat.

In her Christmas message, Piper reflected on how far she had come during the previous year and on the immense impact that the kindness of strangers played in her recovery and outlook.  She said that before the attack, Christmas was a fairly routine day: she would visit her parents, relax, perhaps have a few drinks, then go home the next day. She admitted that she used to be self‑absorbed and focused on herself, and that the tragedy forced her to rethink what really matters.

Her message carried a strong warning not to wait for tragedy to teach gratitude: “Don’t wait until there is tragedy in your life. Don’t wait until you lose somebody. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Appreciate the beautiful things and the beautiful people that you have in your life now.” Piper’s decision to speak openly about her ordeal—despite the possibility of public judgment—was intended to inspire others, to show that acceptance, confidence, and healing are possible.

In sum, Katie Piper’s alternative Christmas message was both deeply personal and broadly resonant: born out of tragedy, it became a call for reflection, gratitude, and human connection, urging people not to postpone appreciation until it’s too late.