Sandra

Winning at Life, Winning at Tennis

"Three years ago, I had a traumatic stage four cancer diagnosis where the odds for me were not in my favour. After a rollercoaster year, the scans were coming back clear, however, I was dealing with a number of side effects from the treatment and still to this day I am living with some. One of the side-effects was that I lost the rest of my sight, and even though I have lived most of my life with a visual impairment going down to total blackness has been a big adjustment which I am still working on. Despite this, I decided to live my life to the full, be the best version of me that I can be and just enjoy life.

"This time last year I decided to have a go at blind tennis. I'd heard Janiece talk about it on the radio a few times and I wondered how it worked, I’ve never been one for sports or games my experience of tennis was being in a mainstream school where the kids did not want to play with me, the partially sighted girl who could not hit the ball. So when I first tried tennis with a rattly ball I was very frustrated that I still could not hit it, even with the allowed three bounces. I said that I didn’t think that tennis was for me. I did stick at it though, and started to get better and before I knew it tennis got under my skin and I found myself looking forward to the next session. I love it! The freedom of running around the court and the elation I feel when I do hit the ball and get it over the net is immense. I have played in a number of tournaments this year and have surprised myself by winning four medals. Two of these were playing in the Yorkshire doubles league with my doubles, partner Gav. I, just a beginner, was thrilled, when he asked me to be his doubles partner, as he is the number 2 Great Britain player. It’s been a pleasure and great experience to play alongside him.

"In September I played my first National tournament at the LTA Centre in London, I was shocked when my first B1 ladies singles match was up against the current European champion a German lady and to my amazement I took her to a tiebreak and won, knocking her out of the competition. No medals there but I didn’t disgrace myself at my first National tournament up against the top players in the world.

"The latest medal, gold I was thrilled to win in Glasgow. The first match there was a tough match as I was up against my Sheffield team mate and friend Klaudia - it was a close match. We went to a tiebreak and I got a lucky one bounce return. I enjoyed this weekend away, getting to know my teammates and the volunteers. It was a pleasure to share my win with Nicky my long-term friend who won her first gold medal in the B2 women’s singles, along with Gav who won the B1 men’s singles, and Klaudia who came away with the silver medal. I’m already planning for my next tournament the national finals in Sunderland at the end of November, so watch this space! I appreciate and thank the volunteers, as none of this would not be possible without them, they dedicate their time to supporting, umpiring and chasing after our balls week after week."