I’m Sandra I’ve been married to Pete for 36 years. We have 2 grown up children and a 3 year old grandson .

I’ve been running (plodding) since my late 20s but never entered any events as I didn’t feel I was a ‘proper’ runner. One evening in 2007 after a few glasses of wine with friends, I suggested that my friend and I should do a triathlon- our husbands laughed so much it spurred us on to go through with it!

We joined Chester Tri club and were taught to swim properly by the wonderful Peter Fabian. I went on to do quite a few sprint triathlons including Ludlow, Nantwich and Chirk and also did a couple of half marathons around this time.

In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after the operation I had to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy followed by 6 weeks of radio therapy. I cycled home from all my appointments at Clatterbridge and also ran the Abersoch 10k whilst having chemo (coming an impressive last!) The consultant said my fitness levels certainly helped me get through my treatment.

In 2013, to say thank you, I cycled from Vietnam to Cambodia to raise funds for Clatterbridge hospital.

I decided to run the Chester marathon in 2014 to tick it off my bucket list but I enjoyed it so much that I did the Liverpool Rock n Roll marathon the following year! 

Throughout this time, I ran a catering company, catering for a varied range of events from weddings and corporate events to cricket teas!  I also worked part time at the Countess of Chester hospital as a phlebotomist.

When I saw the advert for the position of Volunteer Coordinator, I thought it would be my dream job, so I was so delighted to be successful! It has really changed my life. I enjoy every aspect of it and feel privileged to have a job doing something I’m so passionate about.

My work/ life balance is perfect. I still have time to renovate houses, my allotment looks well cared for, for the first time in years and my golf has massively improved, although I’ve still to get the elusive hole in one!