Jayne became an entrepreneur 10 years ago when she founded Medpac. Her practical bags have been specially designed for storing and carrying medicines complete with a photo ID card.

She saw a need for such a product when her daughter was diagnosed with a condition that required her to carry emergency medicine with her at all times, and now sells them all around the world to individuals, schools and charities. Here she talks to Gina Long...

How are you adapting to life post-Covid?

On a personal level, not seeing family and friends was tough, but we were all in the same boat and grateful for our health every day. It did provide the opportunity for me to spend far more time with my teenage daughter Jess, which actually turned out to be a really positive and precious time that we would not have had in any other circumstance. My son George stayed at Exeter University most of the time. He was studying at the Falmouth Campus so I could totally see the attraction to stay in Cornwall with his friends and the opportunity to surf! My husband worked like a trojan throughout the pandemic as a manufacturer in a key industry, he has had the busiest year ever.

What is your connection to East Anglia?

I was born in Colchester and grew up in Great Horkesley, I went to school in Colchester and stayed there until I went to University. I settled in a little village called Occold near Eye 20 years ago where I have had the pleasure of raising my family, meeting some wonderful friends, and making fantastic memories.

What is your East Anglian Heaven i.e. what do you love most about East Anglia?

My home. It has been a labour of love for 18 years but we love it.

What is your East Anglian Hell i.e. what you hate most about living here?

The Copdock interchange.

What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?

I love the harbour at Wells-next-the-Sea. It was the last place we visited for a walk on the beach on Mother’s Day before we went into the first lockdown, and I remember saying to my family “make the most of looking at the sea, it may be a while before we see it again”. However, it was also the first place we visited after the lockdown, and spent a few days in Norfolk exploring the coast on our newly acquired electric bikes.

What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?

The skies, we have the most beautiful coloured skies throughout the year, I never tire of them.

What is your favourite restaurant?

The Bull Auberge in Eye, gorgeous food and great hosts.

What is your specialist Mastermind subject?

Medpac!

What is always in your fridge?

Prosecco and cheese.

What’s your simple philosophy of life?

Kindness costs nothing and brings the greatest pleasure.

What’s your favourite film?

Shakespeare in Love for the love story, the passion and the costumes.

What was your first job?

I had a Saturday job at The Cottage Garden, a small plant centre just outside Colchester. It’s where I first learnt about plants, particularly perennials and I still harbour the desire to have a beautiful garden one day, however, there never seems to be enough time.

What is your most treasured possession?

My health.

Who do you admire most?

My family, they have to live with me.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Holidays. I love to travel both within the UK and abroad. I must say I am currently craving some sunshine.

What do you like about yourself most?

I think I can talk to anyone, I like engaging with people and having a chat.

What’s your worst character trait?

I am a control freak, I like to be in charge and organise everything, however, sometimes I think everyone just gets a bit fed up with me.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Croatia. It was the last place we visited before the pandemic and I would love to go back.

Best day of your life?

My wedding day was the best day ever. The sun shone, all my favourite people were in one place for the first time, and I married the man I love.

What’s your favourite breakfast?

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

What’s your favourite tipple?

A gin and tonic.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I think it’s so well hidden I haven’t found it, but I think my family would say I make a good Victoria sponge.

What’s your earliest memory?

My brother and I hiding under the table and my Gran calling “Scooby Doo where are you?”

Tell us something people don’t know about you?

I am half Dutch, my father is from Holland and one of nine children. I still have a lot of family living in Holland and it has been hard not to see them during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fingers crossed we can all get together again in 2022.

What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

“Your daughter has Epilepsy”. Although the circumstances prior to the diagnosis were the scariest moments of my life, the diagnosis itself cut like a knife. There was so much to learn about the condition and all the variations of this complex disorder, however, she has handled it with real courage and makes us proud every single day.

Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?

Once we had our first child it seemed the right place to be, back near family and living in this beautiful part of the world. We are close enough to London when you need a fix, but have the benefit of the countryside, the beaches, the amazing pubs and restaurants, and it is just a great place to live.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

I would like to tell them about how a small orange bag could change their life. Whether for storing your own emergency or prescription medication, or your child’s, a Medpac is easy to find in an emergency. The photo ID always ensures the correct medication is given to the person in need, it makes it easier to remember to take your medication with you when you go out and about, and it keeps everything stored together safely, from inhalers to epi-pens, and diabetic and epilepsy medication and more. So if you know anyone or any school or organisation that could benefit from a Medpac in their life, please discover more at medpac.co.uk

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