Jacqueline Kemp was born in 1949 in Surrey, England, where she lived with her family until she was 17 years old. Then she left home to go to Reading University, where she studied psychology and gained a BSc Honours degree. After a brief return to her parents' home, she went back to Reading where she lived for four years. She joined an ecumenical religious community in 1974 and lived the community lifestyle for nine years. Most of this time was spent on an island off the west coast of Scotland, where the community occupied diocesan premises. In 1983, Jacqueline left the community and went to live in Edinburgh, where she remained until 2004. After the death of both her parents, she moved to Dunfermline, where she has made her home. Jacqueline developed anorexia nervosa at the age of 13. She continues to work towards complete recovery. In her adult life she has also studied music, and has been an organist and piano teacher. In addition, she has studied and practised a number of forms of spiritual healing.