Three years ago, Sandra received a life-changing stage four cancer diagnosis. The odds were not in her favour, but after a rollercoaster year, her scans began to come back clear. While she continues to deal with some long-term side effects from treatment, one of the biggest challenges came when she lost the remainder of her sight.

Although she had lived most of her life with a visual impairment, adjusting to total darkness has been a huge change — one she continues to navigate with courage and determination. “Despite everything, I decided to live life to the full, be the best version of myself, and just enjoy life,” she says.

Last year, Sandra decided to try blind tennis after hearing Janiece talk about it on the radio. Having never been much into sports, her memories of tennis at school weren’t great — “the partially sighted girl who couldn’t hit the ball,” as she recalls. Her first few sessions were frustrating, even with the rattly ball and three bounces allowed, and she almost gave up. But she stuck with it — and soon, tennis got under her skin.

“I love it — the freedom of running around the court and the amazing feeling when I hit the ball and get it over the net,” Sandra shares. Her determination has paid off in incredible ways. This year alone, she has played in several tournaments and proudly brought home four medals. Two of these came from the Yorkshire Doubles League, where she partnered with Gav — currently ranked number two in Great Britain. “I was thrilled when he asked me to be his partner,” she says. “It’s been such a great experience playing alongside him.”

In September, Sandra travelled to the LTA Centre in London for her first national tournament. Her opening B1 ladies’ singles match was against the current European champion — and to her astonishment, she took the match to a tiebreak and won, knocking out the German champion! “No medals that time,” she laughs, “but I didn’t disgrace myself against some of the best players in the world.”

Her latest achievement came in Glasgow, where she won gold. Her first match there was against her Sheffield teammate and friend, Klaudia, in a tight contest that went to a tiebreak. “I got a lucky one-bounce return,” Sandra says modestly. “It was such a great weekend, spending time with teammates and volunteers.”

It was even more special to share her success with friends — Nicky, who won her first gold medal in the B2 women’s singles; Gav, who took the B1 men’s singles title; and Klaudia, who came away with silver.

Sandra is already training for her next big event — the National Finals in Sunderland at the end of November. “Watch this space!” she smiles.

She also makes sure to thank the many volunteers who make blind tennis possible: “None of this would happen without them. They give up their time every week to support, umpire, and chase after our balls — and we’re all so grateful.”

Sandra’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and the sheer joy of rediscovering sport. She truly embodies what it means to be winning at life, and winning at tennis.