This is how a mum from Walton le Dale overcame a difficult time and started a successful business from her Lancashire kitchen

Gale Eland’s second child, Elliot, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, when he was only six months old and he only started to walk when he was eight.

Since the diagnosis, Gale had to give up her job as a PA for the chief executive of a double glazing firm to look after him.

The 49-year-old said: “I’ve been baking cakes since as long as I can remember, but initially it was only for family and friends.

“When Elliot was born 10 years ago, I had to leave work, so I started to bake more.

“Working at home was something I had to do for Elliot, since he needs a lot of care and has a lot of medical appointments to attend.”

Two years ago, as she received more and more enthusiastic comments from family and friends about her culinary creations, she decided to turn this activity into a business.

Since then, she has been baking delicious cakes from her own “little Lancashire kitchen”.

She added: “I usually bake from six to eight cakes per week, since each of them takes a lot of time and care; every cake I create leaves with a little bit of love.

“But the thing I care the most about is the taste: it’s all about the taste.

“I bake all sorts of cakes and I’m always up to do something different, and then add it to my arsenal.

“I just love baking - it clears my mind and it keeps me sane.”

Gale’s activity has helped her through difficult times, especially with her son needing a lot of care from her and the whole family.

The Angelman syndrome can in fact cause severe intellectual and developmental disability, speaking problems, balance and movement problems, and sleep problems.

Elliot, who is now ten years old, only started to walk two years ago and needs help doing everything. Gale said: “Elliot is a joy - he brings a lot of joy to everyone.”

“He has a smile that lights up the room.”

You can learn more about Gale’s cakes on her website www.galescake.com