A Journey of Resilience: From Personal Triumph to Inspiring Glass Mirror Design
From Adversity to Achievement: Tracy’s Inspiring Journey
In a remarkable story of resilience and transformation, Tracy’s journey from a life-altering accident to being nominated for four awards and leading one of the most innovative companies in the glass design industry is extraordinary.
On 30th September 2011, Tracy’s life took a drastic turn when she was involved in a severe road traffic accident while cycling to work along Cherry Hinton Road in Cambridge. The accident, involving an HGV, left her with severe injuries to her right leg. Despite the odds, Tracy survived, spending three months in hospital and undergoing 27 operations.
A year later, a new challenge emerged when an attempt to bend her knee led to a severe bacterial infection. Tracy was admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis, facing a 50/50 chance of survival.
After two weeks in an induced coma, Tracy’s right leg was amputated. However, Tracy’s indomitable spirit shone through, and after six months of rehabilitation, she was fitted with her first prosthetic leg. Today, she uses a C-Leg, a state-of-the-art prosthetic that has significantly enhanced her mobility and quality of life. The C-Leg offers advanced technology that provides stability and adaptability, allowing users to move confidently and easily.
Embracing her new life positively, Tracy embarked on new adventures, climbing Snowdon with LimbPower, playing wheelchair basketball, travelling around the US, and touring the UK in her much-loved VW Campervan.
Go Glass : One of the top 5 Companies in the UK today
Over the past five years, Tracy has achieved remarkable milestones, including completing the 10,000 Small Businesses programme with Goldman Sachs and graduating with an MBA after five years of part-time study. Tracy is passionate about the family business she runs with her siblings, Clive and Emma, and this passion has allowed Go Glass to grow and flourish. In 2024, it was shortlisted for four awards, including Glass Company of the Year and in September, it won Family Business of the Year. Tracy has also been recognised as a Small Businesswoman of the Year nominee.
A Gift of Etched Mirrors: Transforming Spaces at Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Their recent donation of etched glass mirrors to the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital is a testament to Go Glass’s commitment to innovation and community impact. Tracy’s brother, Clive Sparkes, one of the UK’s leading glass designers, created a classic gym design symbolising movement. By incorporating prosthetics into the design, the mirrors embody inclusivity and aim to inspire visitors to the department, showing them that they can achieve anything. The children’s paediatric room is the highlight, featuring a young superhero with a prosthetic leg, enhanced by backlit colour-changing LED lighting that provides a calming sensory experience.
This donation reflects Tracy’s journey of resilience and Go Glass’s evolution into a successful glass design company that continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with glass.
“Sticks”: An Inspiring Tale of Inclusivity and Adventure
Inspired by a social media comment about the lack of inclusive books, Tracy sought stories for her granddaughter that reflect diverse experiences. This led to “Sticks,” a delightful book by local artist Andi Mac. The story features a character named Trix, who, like Tracy, has a prosthetic leg and climbs trees, rides bikes, and enjoys activities alongside her able-bodied friends. “Sticks” inspires those who have experienced limb loss, offering context and encouragement through its vibrant illustrations and empowering narrative.
You can get your copy of “Sticks” here or contact at Go Glass on 01223 211041
Go Glass, established in 1978, is a specialist in Glass and Mirror Design. View the interactive website www.goglass.co.uk or contact the team on 01223 211041. The Cambridge-based Production Centre is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and the team encourages customers to visit and see the talented and creative team in action.
