Acid Attack on Tourists in Zanzibar: A Shocking Incident

In 2013, Katie Gee, an 18-year-old volunteer from London, was attacked in Zanzibar when two men on a moped threw acid on her. The incident left her with severe burns, affecting 35% of her body. Following the attack, she sought immediate help, running to a nearby bathroom while screaming for assistance. A couple, Nadine and Sam, provided her with bottled water to help wash off the acid before she was taken to a local hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later flown to a better-equipped hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Katie's experience in the second hospital was more manageable, as she received pain relief and was eventually transported back to the UK via a medical airplane. Accompanied by two doctors, she requested sedation for the journey. Upon arrival in the UK, she was admitted to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where she began her long recovery process. For the first three years post-attack, Katie had to wear a plastic face mask and a full-body compression suit for 23 hours a day, which made her feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about her appearance. The constant stares from others contributed to her feelings of being different and unattractive. Despite these challenges, she gradually learned to embrace her scars and found confidence in her new appearance. Now, at 29, Katie has become a body-positive advocate, encouraging others to accept their scars. She has also found love again with her partner, Michael, realizing that her worth is not defined by her appearance. Katie's journey highlights resilience and the importance of self-acceptance in the face of adversity.