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
Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2026
Homelessness

Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2026

More than 100 million children at risk in Middle East conflict, charity fears
War Child in Gaza
Middle East

More than 100 million children at risk in Middle East conflict, charity fears

Revealed: Homeless people offered chairs not beds by councils in extreme weather
a person sleeping rough in a doorway
Homelessness

Revealed: Homeless people offered chairs not beds by councils in extreme weather

What will the Middle East conflict mean for UK energy bills?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers the Spring Statement (HM Treasury/Flickr)
Energy bills

What will the Middle East conflict mean for UK energy bills?