A WOMAN ditched the rat race to go and live full-time in a van – and it was a heartbreaking tragedy that finally made her take the plunge.

       Jessica Leigh, 24, had already led something of a nomadic lifestyle before doing it permanently, having lived on narrow boats and escaping for weekends in her van.

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       Jessica Leigh started living in her van full time following the death of her sister Steph Credit: Jessica Leigh

       But it was the tragic death of her sister Steph, 27, in July that made her go all in and go full-time living in her van.

       Jess told The Telegraph: “I’m only a few months in, but I know it’s for me.

       “I’ve already learned to be resourceful thanks to a few years living on boats, but this is even better. I can take off at a moment’s notice and it’s much easier to get supplies.”

       Joining Jess on her adventures is her pet cat Shadow.

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       Jess added: “I’m sure Steph is with me too.

       “I call her my passenger princess and imagine she’s there, enjoying all the adventures she couldn’t do.”

       She previously managed the California Café, off junction 31 of the M62 and so would spend a lot of her time around Wakefield, West Yorkshire, but had dreams of going travelling, both here in the UK and abroad.

       She said: “My wages cover any money I need, and van life is cheap.

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       “I can also work flexi hours and providing I organise cover can take time off to go away.

       “I went to Snowdon recently with Shadow – he stayed in the van whilst I climbed it.”

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       Jess added: “Before the end of the year I want to go to Whitby, and do the NC500 in Scotland.

       “I also want to go to Europe.

       “My dream is to go travelling around Spain and immerse myself in the local culture.”

       While Jess may be living her dream, she did admit the lifestyle does come with its own practical challenges, such as managing water usage and emptying the toilet.

       Jess said: “If anything goes wrong and you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’ve got to be prepared.

       “You need a few essential tools – or at least breakdown cover.

       “But all that is balanced out by the fact you’ve got your home wherever you go.

       “Plus, it’s handy having a loo with you all the time.”

       The biggest outlay for anyone wanting to take up a van lifestyle will be the van itself and these can vary greatly depending on what features you want and the size of the van.

       Micro motorhomes, or micro campervan, such as the Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo, can cost you a similar amount as a car, around the ￡7,000 mark.

       Newer ones, or bigger makes can be a lot more expensive.

       A VW campervan can cost around ￡30,000 and upwards.

       Or if you want a new model, you’ll be looking at a price tag of up to ￡60,000.

       Bigger motorhomes can though run into six figures.

       Plus you will need to factor in licensing and fuel, running costs and maintenance and insurance.

       It comes after a tattoo artist decided to live full-time in his van after losing his house.

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       The vehicle though is nothing more than a skeleton, with none of the usual campervan fittings such as a kitchen or toilet.

       Meanwhile, a couple who saved thousands by moving into a campervan have told how they hit a huge stumbling block.

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       Joining Jess on her travels is her pet cat Shadow Credit: Facebook 3

       Jess previously managed the California Café, off junction 31 of the M62 Credit: Facebook