WARNING: This story contains graphic images
Katie Price has hit back after she was accused of faking the severity of the injuries she sustained on her feet following an accident on holiday in Turkey.
The former model broke both of her feet when she jumped over a wall in July and has since revealed it could take up to two years until she’s able to properly walk again.
However some critics have questioned Katie’s claims after she was pictured snorkelling and out of her wheelchair whilst on holiday in the Maldives with her boyfriend Carl Woods earlier this week.
Katie responded to the accusations on Instagram on Friday, insisting her injuries are “life changing” and shared graphic images of both of her feet as well as x-rays that clearly show where she has had pins inserted.
She wrote: “For people who said I haven’t broken my feet or people saying I had a bunion operation (even though I’ve never had bunions) still won’t admit they wrongly accused me and speculated again saying I’ve made it all up, will now see I wasn’t lying to the point I’ve had MAJOR SURGERY to my life changing injuries and a MASSIVE THANKYOU TO THE INCREDIBLE SURGEONS who have made it possible for me to be able walk again in time and without them this wouldn’t have been possible.”
In September, Katie revealed she had spent time at The Priory because of the impact her injuries had had on her mental health.
She explained: “My feet will never be the same again. I have to learn to walk again. I wouldn’t even have the strength to stand, even if I wanted to, because I’ve lost all my muscle through wastage.
“It’s literally learning to move my toes, trying to do the same with my ankle. I’ve been through so much mental stuff, you know.
“I was in The Priory at the beginning of the year and I came out a different person, then this happens. It’s just bad, it’s just shit. So mentally, it’s hard to cope.”
Katie continued: “I am being treated in The Priory again because my mental health has been so badly affected. It’s hard to come to terms with not being able to walk across the room.
“People think I was faking it because I was still going out and about or still looking chirpy and happy. What the hell am I supposed to do, sit on the sofa and get mentally depressed that I can’t do nothing?”
Katie subsequently announced she would be taking a break from the spotlight to focus on her recovery.
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.