Linda Edmonds from Brentwood in Essex was crowned Jane Asher Home Baker of the Year 2007 with her recipe for Tipsy Blackberry and Apple Cupcakes. Linda has since gone on to launch her own business, The Cookery Angel, which provides a range of bespoke cookery services, including teaching children to cook at home. However, her journey to that launch has by no means been a piece of cake.

Linda has fought a long battle with ME. At times the extreme exhaustion and immobility this caused meant she was unable to work or function normally. Volunteering at a local care home gave her the confidence to explore her options and self-employment seemed to suit her needs, but what path should she follow?

Linda developed a passion for baking from when she used to prepare Sunday teas with her Grandma and cookery lessons at school. From this passion and new-found confidence from her Home Baker title, the idea for The Cookery Angel started to grow.

As well as emotional support from her strong family network, Linda found vital practical support and advice from Ready to Start. The programme has provided help with how to register her company, home working practices and legal requirements. "I couldn't have started the business on my own. Help from my Barclays Buddy and Leonard Cheshire Disability has made all the difference". Her success has contributed to her improved health and a bright future in food lies ahead.