THE combination of two arthritic conditions means Lisa Read is in almost constant pain but that has not stopped her from setting up her own business.

The 44-year-old mum of three grown-up children has started the Little Flour Cakery from her home in Wellow after eight years away from work with rheumatoid arthritis and an arthritic spine disease.

Her condition affects every joint in her body but Lisa has found baking a therapy and escape from the pain.

After trying countless different medications, Lisa found the best medicine was icing sugar.

“There’s no doubt about it, decorating a cake can take your mind off the pain. If you’ve got something to focus on it helps,” said Lisa.

Illness forced her to give up her job as reception manager at the Potters Heron Hotel at Ampfield eight years ago.

She realised the best way forward was to become her own boss and turn her hobby into a business.

She has a circle of friends who can help her meet deadlines if she’s having a bad day.