About the Author

David Thomas was born in the depths of the English Midlands. After a chaotic schooling he spent 22 years working for British Telecom, finally becoming Network Planning Manager. Tiring of the rat race, he left and started his own children's nursery, which he ran for 20 years. He lived in Spain for a short period, before returning to the UK to begin the epic waterways journey which is the subject of this book. In 2010 he met Helen, and they have been together ever since. He enjoys gardening, building model boats, and of course spending time with his beloved cat Cookie. "Travels with Cookie" is his first book, and he found writing it harder than he expected. Helen Krasner was born in Croydon; then lived in Edinburgh, California, and North Wales, before moving to the Derbyshire Peak District around nine years ago. She has had a somewhat chequered career, working among other things as an occupational psychologist, meditation teacher, and market research consultant/report writer. In her 40s she learned to fly; then became a helicopter instructor. For the last few years she has earned her living as a writer, and has published several books and numerous articles. Since meeting David she has lived with him in her house, along with her three cats and the eponymous Cookie. "Travels with Cookie" was her brainchild, since she felt David had a story which needed to be told.