Katie Piper has built her life around helping others. Best-selling author, broadcaster and charity campaigner - who survived a brutal attack in 2008 - says her passion for supporting vulnerable people stems from the kindness that carried her through her darkest days.

Speaking ahead of hosting this year's Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, (Sunday 19th October) Ms Piper reflected on how her experiences shaped her mission to help those who are "different, disadvantaged or forgotten".

"I experienced a wave of kindness from people that I didn't even know," she told the Sunday Express. "The NHS, the charities, the British public - they reached out and supported me. The more you come together, the stronger you are together. Great things can be done."

This year marks the first time Piper has hosted the star-studded Variety Awards, which take place tonight, celebrating achievements in entertainment while raising funds for children who are disabled or disadvantaged. Among the honourees are England football captain Leah Williamson and legendary singer Petula Clark.

But for Piper, 42, it's not the glamour that drives her - it's the cause. Earlier this week, she spent a day at Meadow High School in Uxbridge, one of the many schools supported by the Variety charity.

"I can't tell you - it was such a brilliant day," she said, lighting up as she recalled the visit. "The children were so polite, confident and funny."

The pupils proudly showed her around one of the charity's famous Sunshine Coaches - especially adapted buses that give disabled and disadvantaged children a ticket to freedom.

"They told me how the coach gives them access to the real world - they can go swimming, visit museums, have snacks on board. It's not just a bus; it's freedom, independence and normality. For some of the most disadvantaged children in society, it's everything."

Katie Piper - 'Kindness Is the Real Superpower'