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

Do you know how Big Issue 'really' works?

Watch this simple explanation.

Recommended for you

View all
Hedge funds want to take control of Thames Water. What could it mean for bills?
a person washing their hands with water
Thames Water

Hedge funds want to take control of Thames Water. What could it mean for bills?

What are data centres? And do we even need them?
Campaigners holding a banner reading 'Save Brick Lane'
Technology

What are data centres? And do we even need them?

'I still have concerns about the Timms Review of PIP. Will mental health be protected?'
DWP minister Stephen Timms
Letters

'I still have concerns about the Timms Review of PIP. Will mental health be protected?'

Dealing with the cost of living is essential to help young people out of Britain’s NEETs crisis
young people looking out on the sunset
Kamran Malekzai

Dealing with the cost of living is essential to help young people out of Britain’s NEETs crisis