“We were a big gang; there were six of us in trenchcoats and trilby hats; we used to go shoplifting in the West End in places like [department store] Swan & Edgar.”
Sandra Martin
Introduction
Sandra Martin is best known for her hilarious reviews of television programmes on the long-running Channel 4 show, Gogglebox. A role that she did for nine series. Her sofa partnership with her best friend Sandi Bogle warmed the hearts of the British public with their views that made you roll around on your sofa with fits of laughter, sprinkled with accounts of what they had been getting up in their everyday lives. Yet that’s not the reason I am writing this piece. Behind Sandra’s laughs and antics lies a poignant and inspiring story about a Caribbean woman who fought back despite all the odds that life had thrown at her. This story will make you shed a tear and show that even in your darkest hour, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life is what you make of it. Sandra is an example of someone with the spirit and courage to bounce back from adversity and constantly remain that positive and loveable woman who brightens your day with her smile and infectious laughter.
Living Life
Sandra Martin is a mother of four children. A parent who brought her children in the best way possible. Loved, inspired and encouraged. That’s against the backdrop of a life with a struggle with alcohol, a time in prison for shoplifting, serving time in serving time in Drake Hall Prison, HMP Holloway Prison and HMP Bullwood Hall and troubles which caused her to lose her one-bedroom flat in London. She describes this period of her life as a “wild little life”. One that caused her not to be homeless but to end up living in Palace Road Hostel, a hostel for women. Yet Sandra isn’t the kind of woman who gives up and lets the perils of life take over. She picked herself up, dusted herself down and turned to the Big Issue for help.
Seeing a copy of the Big Issue in her hostel inspired her to approach the charity, turning her back on the dark chasm of drinking. Taking herself off to their head office in Vauxhall, Sandra walked in and explained her situation. The charity welcomed her with open arms and gave her that chance in life that anyone in a difficult situation needs. She was given a badge and an ID tag and cleared to become a Big Issue seller. She was given a pitch outside Green Park Station, just down the road from the famous Ritz Hotel. A turning point that brought this charismatic lady luck. Yet Sandra always says that at no point was she broke. She never hit rock bottom due to her hustling ethos in life.
Sandra made the most of the situation. Dressing up in her best clothes, she got up every day and embraced the sunshine of life. A lady who used her charismatic character and ability to talk for Britain to the best advantage. Her technique was effective, selling out of her supply of Big Issue magazines in a few hours. This time in 2009 was far-flung from her time in prison. This vending role took her from a dark place to emerging to the light on the other side. She got herself a flat in Norwood and started to attend AA meetings.
Queen Bee
Fast forward four years and Sandra’s life turned around. An offer to appear on the television programme Gogglebox completely changed her life. Quickly becoming a household name. Yet Sandra has never forgotten this period of her life. She embraces it as a learning curve, and if she passes a Big Issue seller, she will always buy a copy and be passionate about supporting and working with homeless charities. Sandra Martin is a shining example of someone who returned from the brink and pushed forward.
The truth is that Sandra is loving life by her means. Her brilliant TikTok live appearances provide an insight into her life. She is a loveable person who sits in her front room and makes you laugh with her stories while watching the television, commenting on the news or just listening to her favourite music. A versatile and resourceful lady who I love to watch and engage with. A brilliant example of someone who never gives up and embraces life to the full, living every day as precious as it is. A lady who can often see lighting up the vibrant streets of Brixton and has recently published a book.
