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
Everything you need to know about Labour's homelessness strategy
a person experiencing homelessness lying down on the street
Homelessness

Everything you need to know about Labour's homelessness strategy

Labour reveals national youth strategy with vow to give every young person 'something meaningful to do'
Young people

Labour reveals national youth strategy with vow to give every young person 'something meaningful to do'

Benefits stigma is booming. Here are the key myths around the system – debunked
Benefits street headlines in tabloids
Benefits

Benefits stigma is booming. Here are the key myths around the system – debunked

New £3.5 million fund to test out ways to prevent homelessness and turn around London crisis
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
homelessness

New £3.5 million fund to test out ways to prevent homelessness and turn around London crisis