Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
News

I was a Big Issue vendor and now I'm a Gogglebox star

Sandra Martin believes she was able to turn her life around thanks to The Big Issue. She has since found fame on Gogglebox.

Only four years before Sandra Martin found fame on Gogglebox, she was selling The Big Issue. She lost her home after a stint in jail and struggled with alcohol abuse.

“One day, I saw someone with a copy of The Big Issue in the hostel,” she says. “I wanted an opportunity to get out there and do something positive instead of drinking, drinking, drinking.

“That was the start of my luck turning around. Suddenly lots of good things started happening. I think The Big Issue brought me good luck. Because of The Big Issue I was able to change my life around. It really feels like that.”

@sandragogglebox

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

GIVE A GIFT THAT CHANGES A VENDOR'S LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS 🎁

For £36.99, help a vendor stay warm, earn an extra £520, and build a better future.
Grant, vendor

Recommended for you

View all
'I’m praying': From hope to fear, here’s how parents feel about the new child poverty strategy
child in waterproof jacket
Child poverty strategy

'I’m praying': From hope to fear, here’s how parents feel about the new child poverty strategy

Was the child poverty strategy worth the wait?
Keir Starmer speaking to families at a community centre.
Child poverty

Was the child poverty strategy worth the wait?

Everything you need to know about Labour's child poverty strategy
Save the Children projected stark child poverty statistics onto the Houses of Parliament
Child poverty

Everything you need to know about Labour's child poverty strategy

Labour’s child poverty strategy under fire over 'deeply concerning' lack of legal targets
Big Issue founder Lord John Bird
child poverty strategy

Labour’s child poverty strategy under fire over 'deeply concerning' lack of legal targets