A MUM with a debilitating condition was inspired to set up her own business after a chance encounter with a fellow designer.

Jenny Skinner, 38, of Stanford-le-Hope, spoke to hat-maker Tricia Hamilton while checking out her ‘winmyhouse’ page – to be in with a chance to win a £1million cottage.

The mum-of two has Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), a chronic and fluctuating neurological condition that causes symptoms affecting many of the body’s systems.

Jenny, who has also cared for her mum who has Alzheimer’s, put her start-up business on hold after several false starts.

But a chance conversation with the owner of Tricia Designs and Roselands 19th Century cottage in Pill, Somerset, has led to the launch of her own design business.

Jenny said: “My dream has been to own my own home and run my own business. I may not win the competition, but I feel like I’ve made a friend and have the drive to set up alone.

“Tricia has gone from working as a teacher to setting up a successful business, selling designs worldwide. She has fulfilled her dream and it’s definitely encouraging to see that.”

Jenny read about the chance to win a luxury home for a £10 punt in a national newspaper. To check it was genuine, she decided to call the number advertised on the site.

She said: “I was surprised when I got through to the owner. Tricia was lovely and we got on really well, especially as we both love sewing. Talking with Tricia made me more determined to follow my dreams and get my designs known and make a business with them.”

Jenny makes a range of products, including dolls’ dresses, toys, wedding accessories and pet security designs. ME leaves one in four sufferers so severely affected they were effectively housebound or bedbound. It commonly attacks the nervous and immune systems.

The competition runs until November 15, visit winmyhouse.online/