This Week: Jayne Hancock, organiser of the Bridgwater Variety Show in benefit of children's charity Brainwave (From Bridgwater Mercury)

This Week: Jayne Hancock, organiser of the Bridgwater Variety Show in benefit of children's charity Brainwave

11:32am Tuesday 27th May 2008 in Your Say

Jayne was born in Butleigh Hospital, near Street, to Rhona and Raymond Gullidge. They moved to Bridgwater in 1961 and her father became an HGV driver for British Cellophane. She attended St John's School before attending Westover Secondary Modern gaining five CSEs.

She went on to study at Weston's college for hairdressing, passing her qualifications and obtaining a gold Clairol award. Jayne was also a keen dancer and won medals for ballroom and Latin American dancing and won Miss Bridgwater, judged by TV's Alan Taylor.

Jayne first appeared on stage at 11 years old performing in a pantomime and has appeared in Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society and Blake Drama productions and has been involved with Bridgwater Carnival and the carnival concerts.

She lost her leg in 1998 and suffered a major heart attack, which led to a triple heart bypass in 2004. She now advises people to live for today and enjoy life.

She celebrates her 13th wedding anniversary today (May 27) and has two daughters, Jema and Michelle, and five grandchildren.

What is the best and worst thing about the place you live in?

"The best thing about Bridgwater is the friendships you can build when involved with the carnival. The worst aspect is when you hear people putting the town down but they don't help to improve it."

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

"The best thing about producing the variety shows is seeing a packed audience enjoying them and knowing the money raised will benefit the children of Brainwave."

What was your ambition as a child?

"As a child, I wanted to be a nurse."

What has been your greatest achievement?

"My greatest achievement was learning to walk with an artificial leg."

What characteristic do you dislike most in others and in yourself?

"I dislike people having no confidence in themselves and, in myself, I always want things done yesterday!"

What is your biggest fear?

"I hate snakes."

When and where were you happiest?

"I could fill the Mercury with my happiest moments! I love life!"

What three items would you take to a desert island?

"I would take family photos, my CD collection and a boat to bring all my friends and family."

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)?

"Phil Collins, Dave Allen, David Seaman, Patrick Swayze (sorry John!) and Lady Di for a girlie chat."

How would you like to be remembered?

"As someone who made a difference."