Heartbroken Katie Piper, 41, makes devastating decision on third baby
Locked up in a Louisiana jail, Katie Piper realised she wanted to have a third baby before it was too late. The TV presenter was in America's Orleans Parish Prison with female killers to find out how they ended up there. It was in the jail, separated from her own daughters, Belle, 11, and Penelope, seven, that Katie decided the time was right.
'So many women missed their kids,' explains Katie. 'It started to make me think, 'This is my last chance to have another baby, I'm going to be 40. And if I don't do it now, I never will.'' Katie flew home and spoke to husband Richard Sutton. 'I was turning 40 in the October,' says Katie. 'So I said to my husband, 'If we want another baby, let's do it now,' and we started trying.'
However, fate had other ideas. While they were trying to conceive, Katie underwent emergency operation on her left eye, which was blinded when a man she briefly dated had an accomplice throw acid at her in 2008. 'I had quite a traumatic event with my eye. I had to have a general anaesthetic and you can't be trying for a baby and also be having unexpected surgeries,' explains Katie. 'So that scuppered that and we had a break. We tried again, but it just didn't happen.'
Katie considered undergoing IVF, but after having had hundreds of operations since the heinous attack, she couldn't face more hospital appointments and the potential heartache of it not working. Sadly, Katie abandoned her plan to have a third child. 'My eye surgery made me realise I don't want to do IVF,' she said. 'I'm done with medical things and hospitals. I didn't think it would be good for me.'
However, Katie still felt something was missing, especially as her little girls had been so keen to have a third sibling. To distract herself from her heartache, Katie started volunteering at a canine rescue centre. It lead to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and it wasn't long before Alison Hammond was helping her choose a puppy to take home.
The trips to Battersea were family days out with Katie determined to teach her children how to be responsible pet owners. 'We've had hamsters, we've had rabbits but it was me cleaning them out all the time,' says Katie. 'We started volunteering and dog walking while still trying for a baby, and it just came to a natural conclusion. So we got our dog from Battersea. There was a litter of eight dumped with the mum and I went to meet Alison. I handled them all and spent some time with Alison and she actually helped me pick the right dog for us – a female with a calm temperament.'
They called the half cockapoo pup Sugar. 'It was like a proper democracy,' says Katie. 'You had to put the names you wanted in a box and we drew out each one and voted.' With Katie promoting Locked Up In Louisiana and the launch of her new book, Still Beautiful, looking after the puppy has fallen mainly to Richie. 'He's been sacrificing work to be at home, because it is like having a newborn baby,' says Katie. 'He's done very well toilet training her. 'We walked around like insane midlife crisis people with this dog in a baby sling. And the kids had a buggy with the puppy in it because she can't touch the floor outside until she's had all her jabs.'
Now 41, Katie's upcoming book talks about ageing well and knowing your worth in a society that worships youth. Katie's looks were changed forever when she was attacked aged just 24. 'I experienced how society treats women who lose what they would deem their strongest currency: beauty and youth. I learnt that at 24, and when you turn 40 people are ready to devalue you once again. If life expectancy is our eighties, I'm just halfway through!
'What happens to women as they age, generally, is they become more financially secure, more stable, more independent, more established and usually more successful. So it's really weird to associate only negative connotations with ageing. I'm so grateful for being alive. Deborah James, Bowel Babe, would love to have gone past 40. It's insulting to devalue that.'
Katie has created an enviable career, a beautiful home and a loving family unit in the 17 years since she was held captive for eight hours, raped and then attacked with acid leaving her facing years of ill health and surgery. In spite of the mental and physical scars inflicted by her attackers, Katie remains resilient and unbroken.
Incredibly, she refuses to be afraid and as her own children become older and start to test their independence, she's determined that the brutality she endured will not cast a shadow over their lives. 'You can't avoid crime,' says Katie matter-of-factly. 'You're almost in victim-blaming territory if you think you can because you're almost saying, 'Only a certain type of person is on the receiving end of this, and
I'm not, because I'm more careful.' Once you've been a victim of something like that, you go to therapy to find there is nothing you could have done. Of course you don't take unnecessary risks… you don't go jogging alone in the dark, just like you don't walk across a motorway. You're more likely to be in a car accident than you are to be attacked and raped.'
Katie's kids have always known how she got her scars. When they started nursery they realised their mummy looked different and she's always been open with them about the attack, which the judge condemned as 'pure, calculated and deliberate evil'.
'I've always talked about what happened and how,' says Katie. 'Of course, it provokes a reaction from them; 'Does this happen
all the time? Why did it happen?' Also young children don't understand adult relationships and they have natural questions like, 'Why did you date anyone other than Daddy?' So we have conversations that you might not have with your children. But we're a unique family.'
'I wouldn't want to frighten my children,' adds Katie. 'I wouldn't want to hide my 11-year-old away from the world so that she is incapable – and then is vulnerable and does get taken advantage of. I want to equip her with common sense, knowledge and logic. I think being streetwise is really important.'
Katie's attackers were both given life sentences in 2009. Since then, Stefan Sylvestre, who threw the acid on the orders of rapist Daniel Lynch, has gone on the run while on licence. Despite her ordeal, Katie is a regular volunteer in women's prisons and believes the majority of prisoners can be rehabilitated.
Her latest TV show Locked Up In Louisiana sees her meet women serving time or awaiting trial for murder. It comes after her previous series, Jailhouse Mums, which showed motherhood behind bars. 'Gun violence is rife and violence against women is rife,' says Katie. 'Many women were in the position of shoot or be shot, even though the law doesn't protect them from defending themselves.'
Having been a volunteer in British jails for some years, Katie is skilled at gaining the confidence of inmates and many shared their stories with her. All too often the story was the same. 'They're carrying guns, they get assaulted and they shoot,' says Katie. 'And because there's no self-defence law, they are now in prison.'
It's a complex subject and Katie understands there are two sides to every story, asking, 'If somebody shot your son or brother in what they say is self-defence, how would you feel?' After listening to the women and seeing their anguish over being separated from their children, Katie can't help but feel pity.
It might seem that Katie has nothing in common with killers, but like them she knows that your whole life can change in one day. 'It is quite sobering knowing that none of us are really that far away from prison,' says Katie. 'It could be a bad day, a bad choice, a bad set of circumstances thrust upon us. For lots of women, if they hadn't committed their crime, they might be dead themselves.'
Locked Up In Louisiana is available from Sunday 27 April. Watch at 9pm on U&W or stream free on U.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
44 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
JJ Slater feeling ‘insecure' as Katie Price blasted over being ‘disrespectful'
As Katie Price faces backlash for partying with celebs in Ibiza, a source says that her antics will be tough on her boyfriend JJ Slater - and fans urge him to 'dump her' Katie Price' s outrageous bikini-clad antics in Ibiza have sparked calls for her reality star boyfriend John 'JJ' Slater to dump her. The 47-year-old let her hair down last week on a wild trip to the party island, where she was snapped cosying up to a number of shirtless men – including some very famous faces. And her behaviour didn't go down well back home, with Katie accused of being 'disrespectful' towards Married At First Sight UK hunk JJ, 32, who she started dating early last year. However, despite the flood of negative comments, a source tells OK! the warnings will fall on deaf ears and that 'Katie is just being Katie'. 'She can't help but flirt and cosy up to people – it's the life she's always led,' said our source. 'She thinks it's all just a bit of innocent flirting because she's a very loud and larger than life character, but for her boyfriends it's another thing. 'Seeing your girlfriend in a tiny bikini surrounded by a load of topless men is bound to make anyone feel a bit insecure, and JJ is no exception. He's put up with a lot and it's not easy dating someone as famous as Katie. It's not nice for him to see the photos. 'He's aware of what people are saying and he tries to ignore the comments, but it's not easy.' The former glamour model – who was joined for part of the trip by her son Junior Andre, 20 – was snapped partying with former UFC champion Conor McGregor, EastEnders star Dean Gaffney and night club boss Wayne Lineker, owner of the island's famous O Beach club. Her social media posts quickly attracted a slew of critical comments from fans expressing their shock, with many of them calling on JJ – who previously dated his MAFS co-star Ella Morgan – to 'dump her' over her disrespectful behaviour. 'I am in a long-term relationship and out of respect for my partner I wouldn't pose like this with another man,' one follower wrote. Another demanded, 'How can you pose with men like this when having a so-called partner back home?' Other comments included, 'I'd dump her if I was JJ, she's just rubbing his nose in it', and 'JJ should dump her.' Katie got together with JJ in early 2024, a few months after she split from her ex-fiancé Carl Woods, 36. She recently described JJ as 'the most kindest, genuine, easygoing, chilled person'. But she admitted she still didn't feel free or at her 'happiest'. 'It's not a reflection on him, maybe that's what I need to change for myself,' she told Celebs Go Dating's relationship guru Paul C Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast. Katie has often said that men have been her biggest 'downfall', and once admitted she sought out 'neediness' and ended up in 'toxic relationships'. As well as her failed marriages to Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler, Katie has a string of other famous exes, including footballers Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham, and rugby player Danny Cipriani. She dated her most recent ex, Carl, for three years. He recently accused her of being unfaithful, claiming she cheated on him multiple times and that he'd caught her messaging several footballers, including a 'very famous' England star. However, Katie's camp hit back, describing him as 'another ex cashing in on Kate'. The star flew out to sunny Spain shortly after having her Brazilian bum lift topped up. Dressed in a bikini, two bloodied plasters on the injection sites were visible on her buttocks. But it was the photos of Katie with UFC legend Conor, 36, and footie icon Gary Lineker 's brother Wayne, 63, that created the biggest furore. According to our source, while JJ trusts Katie and knows she's happy with him, he's not immune to feeling insecure over her antics. 'While JJ is a really patient man, everyone has their limits,' the source said. 'He's been there for her through all her surgeries, her bankruptcy hearings, helping with Harvey, so he wants to feel like a priority, not a spare part. 'He knows that she loves him and that she appreciates that he treats her differently to some of her exes, so he works hard to not let it get to him. And he knows that at the end of the day, it's him she comes home to.'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
TUI family holiday ruined after raunchy behaviour and finding ‘vomit in pool'
A family looking forward to a two-week holiday at a five-star hotel in Jamaica were left shocked after an adults-only festival hosted by the resort led to 'all hell breaking loose' Liverpool mum Katie had been eagerly looking forward to her TUI holiday in Jamaica, but says her stay there was ruined by raunchy guests who exhibited "sexual behaviour [...] for all to see". During an appearance on BBC's Rip Off Britain, Katie and her sister Rachel spoke of Jamaica as their "second home", and somewhere where they regularly take their children to visit relatives. According to Katie, whose husband lives in the Caribbean island nation, it's important for her children to stay connected to their dual culture. She shared: 'Jamaica is our second home. We're really, really proud of the island and love the culture.' Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the children hadn't been able to visit their grandparents in Jamaica for two years. And so, the family booked a two-week stay at the Luxury Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Montego Bay. The group of 24 family and friends spent approximately £15,000 on their booking, which should have been a dream holiday. Unfortunately, things allegedly took a turn. At first, the five-star hotel appeared perfect, with the group impressed by the delicious food, gorgeous grounds, and the great service provided by members of staff. The resort advertised plenty of family-friendly facilities, including watersports and a kids' pool, and felt like the ideal place to bring little ones. Then, four days into their stay, the tone changed when the group learned the hotel was hosting a four-day music festival, Fantasy Island. Marketed as an adults-only festival, Fantasy Island was attended by some 700 revellers, who apparently "didn't care" whether or not their antics were suitable for children. The sisters shared: 'All hell broke loose. The main pool was overtaken. People were drinking like fish. It's fine if it's in a nightclub, not morning time around a pool with children. There was sexual behaviour going on at the pool bar for all to see. They didn't care if there were children there.' After Katie complained to the hotel manager and TUI rep, she was offered four free nights by the hotel, while TUI offered them £150 per person in vouchers or £100 in cash. They believe this compensation just wasn't enough. Katie and Rachel weren't the only guests to take issue with the Fantasy Island event. NHS worker Emma Owen and her family were drawn to the hotel due to its family-friendly appeal, and paid £7,000 for an 11-night all-inclusive break. She recalled seeing attendees 'vomit in the pool' as the festival got underway. Travel expert Lisa Minot stated: 'It really is down to the tour operator to inform their guests that there is going to be a significant change or impact on their holiday.' A TUI spokesperson previously told the Daily Express: "We're very sorry that some of our customers' holidays were impacted by this unexpected event at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in August 2021. "While the hotel did not make us aware in advance, we understand how upsetting this was, and have offered a refund for the full four days, along with our sincere apologies. We'd like to reassure customers that this hotel will no longer be hosting this event."
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Katie Price shows off results of ‘painful botched' BBL surgery in barely-there polka dot bikini on boozy Ibiza holiday
The former glamour model is enjoying a sun-soaked trip away BEACH BOD Katie Price shows off results of 'painful botched' BBL surgery in barely-there polka dot bikini on boozy Ibiza holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KATIE Price has given her fans yet another glimpse of her botched BBL surgery. Stripping off to a teeny tiny polka dot bikini in Ibiza, the former glamour model, 47, looked sensational as she frolicked in the ocean. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Katie Price looked amazing on a beach June 18 Credit: BackGrid 8 She showed off her perky bottom in the process Credit: BackGrid 8 Katie's teeny bikini left little to the imagination Credit: BackGrid 8 Her tiny frame was in full view for all to see Credit: BackGrid Katie, who recently opened up about her botched BBL before recently having some filler added to adjust the look of it, gave fans a closer look at her bikini body this week. On June 18, the stunning star was spotted soaking up the sun. Looking relaxed, Katie looked sensational as she strolled along the water's edge. She could be seen wearing a red polka dot bikini, which looked as though it was held together by flimsy string. Katie wore her raven-coloured hair tied up into a high ponytail. She wore some brown sunglasses covering her eyes, and had a straw bag with her. Her nails were painted bright yellow and she rocked two designer necklaces around her neck. Katie's signature curves were on full display as she sunned herself and topped up her tan. Her famous breasts were in full view as they almost busted out of her tiny bra top. And her freshly injected bottom was also on display thanks to the skimpy thong-style bikini bottoms she donned. Katie Price fans concerned as star looks unsteady on her feet in Ibiza This comes as she continues to enjoy her very boozy vacation in Spain. She recently popped up in a snap shared on EastEnders star Dean Gaffney's Instagram page. In the snap, which was shared last weekend, Katie could be seen partying with the former soap actor as she stood between Dean and pal Jamie O'Hara. She was then snapped alongside Wayne Linekar in a photo, with the pair looking friendly while she donned a bikini. Katie Price's Surgery: A Timeline 1998 - Katie underwent her first breast augmentation taking her from a natural B cup to a C cup. She also had her first liposuction 1999 - Katie had two more boob jobs in the same year, one taking her from a C cup to a D cup, and then up to an F cup 2006 - Katie went under the knife to take her breasts up to a G cup 2007 - Katie had a rhinoplasty and veneers on her teeth 2008 - Katie stunned fans by reducing her breasts from an F cup to a C cup 2011 - Going back to an F cup, Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers 2014/5 - Following a nasty infection, Katie had her breast implants removed 2016 - Opting for bigger breasts yet again, Katie had another set of implants, along with implants, Botox and lip fillers 2017 - After a disastrous 'threading' facelift, Katie also had her veneers replaced. She also had her eighth boob job taking her to a GG cup 2018 - Katie went under the knife yet again for a facelift 2019 - After jetting to Turkey, Katie had a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift and a tummy tuck 2020 - Katie has her 12th boob job in Belgium to correct botched surgery and a new set of veneers 2021 - In a complete body overhaul, she opts for eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, fat injected into her bum and full body liposuction 2022 - Katie undergoes another brow and eye lift-and undergoes 'biggest ever' boob job in Belgium, her 16th in total 2023 - Opting for a second rhinoplasty, Katie also gets a lip lift at the same time as well as new lip filler throughout the year 2024 - Katie has her 17th boob job in Brussels after revealing she wanted to downsize. She performed at Dublin Pride just days later and surgeons warned the lack of recovery posed a risk of infection This comes after Katie admitted that her botched Brazilian butt lift left her in agony. The Page 3 icon even swore off having surgery in the UK for good. Speaking on Katherine Ryan: Telling Everybody Everything recently, Katie was asked whether there was a procedure she regretted. "The bum," she replied, adding, "I tried that BBL abroad where they take your own fat and put it in your bum. "It was so painful. And it just did not look right on me." When asked where she had it done, Katie revealed it was in Turkey – and despite the bad experience, she's still a big fan of going overseas for ops. She said: "I would never have surgery in England again. Ever, ever. I'd always have it abroad." Recently, Katie took to Instagram to share a video where she revealed that she was back at a clinic and about to have another procedure. She told fans she was having another cosmetic procedure, which was some fresh filler added to her bottom after the botched BBL. Katie said: "So the bum is done! Here's a little sneaky, beaky, boopky," as she showed off the results of the injections. 8 Katie's tattooed body looked golden brown as she topped up her tan Credit: BackGrid 8 She wore her raven locks tied into a ponytail Credit: BackGrid 8 Katie looked stunning as she relaxed on the beach Credit: BackGrid
