About the Author

Marina Chapman was born in Colombia, South America, around 1950. Her real date and exact location of birth are unknown. She has lived in Bradford since she was 27. Now a retired chef, she continues to work for an inner city children's nursery, and regularly volunteers for numerous local charities. Her greatest joy in life is being a grandmother to three, a mother to two, and a wife of thirty-five years.

Vanessa James is Marina's younger daughter. She began writing her mothers story in 2006 as a way of documenting her incredible life. After two years, and one research trip, the original version of the book was complete. Vanessa now lives and works in London as a Film & TV composer, and musician in the band Starling.