Sandra Watts

South Essex Rape & Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC) wishes to nominate Sandra as a torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics. Sandra contacted SERICC for support after she disclosed the violent sexual abuse she was subjected to as a child. As with many survivors of child sexual abuse, she was unable to talk about what happened to her. Eventually fearing that other children would be abused by her abuser she broke the silence and ultimately brought him to justice at great cost to herself. Sandra has gone from strength to strength she has inspired the staff and service users at SERICC and people within the wider community. Sandra has run 6 marathons including 3 London Marathons, raising money for various organisations and awareness of sexual violence. Sandra showed great courage when she stood up in the Council Chamber at Redbridge telling them her story and thanking them for their donations to SERICC through sponsorship. She was outstanding when she delivered her life experience in front of 200 MP`s including Lord Goldsmith in an attempt to benefit other survivors and raise awareness of the issues nationally.She will be the first to stand up to unfairness no matter the risk, always showing tremendous inner strength. Sandra has a selfless nature, always looking forward and supporting friends and family and members of the local community. Sandra has now rebuilt her life, recently getting married. She is a shining example that being abused as a child does not have to affect your whole life.