This is a true story of courage and determination. Waris Dirie is now a model, but this is a far cry from her childhood.

Born into a Somali nomadic family Waris spent her days "farming" the animals that belonged to the family. She would spend hours trying to find water and food for them. At the age of 5 she had to undergo female circumcision and by the age of 12 her father had found her a husband, many years her senior. Once introduced to her future husband Waris decided to break the rules and run away. By the time she reached her uncle, who lived in the city, she had survived an arduous journey through the desert, rape and nearly being killed by a lion.

Her story could have ended there but after living with other members of her family she makes it to London where she works as a maid for 4 years. After working in McDonald's she is "found" by an agency and her first modelling job is for Pirelli, along with the then unknown Naomi Campbell.

Apart from modelling she is now also a UN ambassador fighting against female circumcision. Her book is an eye-opener into another culture and Waris should be an inspiration to all women. She has stood up for what she believes and is making us aware of an issue that has been largely hidden from society. Shockingly 75,000 women in Great Britain are threatened or affected by FGM.

She has set up the Waris Dirie Foundaiton (www.waris-dirie-foundation.com) to aid her in fighting FGM.