Bianca, Alsager, Cheshire

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 20 years old and I am from Romania. I have sold Big Issue North for two years.

Why do you sell the magazine?
I have children and this is my job. I do it to earn money for them.

Tell us about your family.
I am a single mother. I have two children. One is four and a half, and the other two and a half. I live with them in Manchester. It can be very difficult. I have a friend who helps me to look after the children when I go to sell the magazine.

When did you come to the UK?
That is hard to say because I came as a child and then we went back to Romania, and then I came over again about five years ago. When I first came to the UK I couldn’t speak any English, although I could understand a little bit. I learnt English by selling magazines and now it is okay. 

What makes you happy?
My children make me happy. They are the most important thing for me.

What are your hopes for the future?
Just to have my kids be happy. I don’t really have any plans for myself. I know I am only 20 but I feel very old!

Do you have other family here in the UK?
Not really, no. My mum and dad are in Romania. I miss them very much. The death of the Queen made me think about my own family a lot.

What did the Queen mean to you?
She was a very nice lady. She was very respectful to all the people and very kind. I am a bit sad because she has died. I hope the new King will be the same as his mother and be a good and nice person. I hope he will continue her good work. It’s a bit strange – something new. It will be interesting to see what happens. 

Do you have a message for your customers?
Thank you so much to all the people who buy the magazine from me. The people who come to visit me on my pitch are very kind to me and nice.