Over 18 months ago, Naomi Oni contemplated killing herself.
Her former friend Mary Konye had thrown acid all over her as she walked home from work in Dagenham, in December 2012. It burned off Naomi's eyelids, some of her hair, skin on her arms and leg and she was almost blinded in one eye.
Her boyfriend at the time dumped her two months after her ordeal, and as she looked at her face in the mirror, she thought that no one would ever love her or find her attractive again.
During the trial, Naomi said it was a battle to get through each day, adding: "...My life was turned upside down. I'm reminded what I look like every day I look in the mirror or see the reaction on people's faces. The whole traumatic experience has changed my life."
However since then, Naomi has managed to turn her life around. In an interview with Closer magazine, she has spoken about dating again, and is open to finding love.
Talking about a recent relationship that didn't work out, she said: "He said I was gorgeous and completely took me by surprise - he approached me in the street and said he'd read about my story and thought I was so inspirational that he wanted to take me out.
"Things didn’t work out with the guy I was seeing and we’re just friends, but it’s boosted my self-esteem. I'm enjoying being single at the moment but I'm ready to fall in love again with the right person."
Naomi certainly fits the bill for the exceptional people we're championing for our 'Month Of Determination'.
Naomi was attacked by Konye (who infamously wore a burka to conceal her identity) because she allegedly called her ugly. After the attack - during which Naomi felt acid burning her tongue - she has had skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
To read the interview in full, see the latest issue of CLOSER REAL LIFE, out now. Also available as digital edition and online at www.CloserOnline.co.uk.
