Inside the World of Trauma Cleaning: Sandra Pankhurst’s Story
Adversity makes you do some amazing things, and in hindsight my lung condition now is a result of that, because I worked day and night and never said no to a job.
Ever thought about who cleans up after a tragedy? Meet Sandra Pankhurst, the woman behind the biography 'The Trauma Cleaner'. Sandra’s job is not for the faint-hearted. She steps into homes where death, sickness, and chaos have abruptly altered lives. From unattended deaths to long-term property neglect, Sandra's work covers it all. Most people are surprised to learn that police or firefighters don't handle these clean-ups; that's where Sandra comes in, dealing with crime scenes, floods, and fires.
But Sandra’s story goes beyond her job. She's a transgender woman who grew up in an abusive family and was forced to live in a backyard shed. Her personal journey is as compelling as her professional one. In this episode, she opens up about her struggles with transitioning and the high suicide rates among young people. She also discusses her work with The Department Of Justice, helping clients navigate through their darkest times.
Sandra's experiences shed light on the mental and physical toll of trauma cleaning. She emphasizes the importance of having staff who have lived through their own challenges. This episode isn't just about cleaning up physical messes; it's about understanding the human stories behind them. Whether it's aiding in retirement village placements or dealing with the grim reality of some living conditions, Sandra’s insights offer a unique perspective on making sense of chaos.