Any spare time is taken up with hobbies such as photography, learning to paint with watercolour, tracing her family history, furnishing and decorating a dolls house, and helping out at the local working Windmill.
In her own words, Sandi says “I heard about Odyssey and attended a course in September 2006 which really changed my life. I took part in activities that I would never have dreamt of doing but through those activities, and the nurture of the staff, I realised I had much more confidence than I’d ever given myself credit for. I learnt how to live for the moment and not worry about what may or may not be around the corner. I learnt how to make memories for me and for my family, I learnt the importance of ‘me’ time, I learnt that ‘I can’, and I learnt to laugh again.
Ten years on, I am still benefitting from my week with Odyssey. I left my job to spend important time with my then teenage sons and, at the same time, completed an Open University degree; purely because I wanted to, and I realised at last that I could. I have done some exciting things such as a tandem parachute jumping , climbed a mountain or two, canoed 90km in Sweden (wild camping along the way) – all previously beyond my wildest dreams. I am frequently found totally engrossed in one of the numerous hobbies I have discovered.
The last ten years haven’t all been plain sailing, but whenever I’m faced with a tough situation, I draw on my Odyssey experience. Reminding myself that I conquered my fears during one particular Odyssey activity helps me realise that I can cope with almost anything now.
Odyssey really is a unique and special charity; I wish many more people could experience the benefits. I feel privileged to still be part of Odyssey, and will always be grateful to Odyssey for helping me survive cancer, and showing me how to live life and not just let life happen”
At Odyssey, we are incredibly grateful to Sandi for her hard work, efficiency, and of course for the wonderful food served up on courses. Nothing is too much trouble, and all diets are catered for. Her presence on the courses adds immensely to everyone’s experience.