Beatriz Custodio Gonzalez was born in Uruguay, South America, where she took her first degree in Criminal Law and Psychology. After completing a second degree, she qualified as a teacher and went on to teach Spanish, English and Religious Studies. She then moved to the UK, retraining as a Master Florist, teaching Floral Art Design, and managing her own, successful business. She also ran therapy classes for women, using flower arranging and design as a way to heal emotional trauma.
She now lives in Germany, where she specialises in the education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
When the refugee crisis hit Germany, Beatriz immediately volunteered to work with displaced women and children in refugee camps. She also supports many charities and causes including: environmental issues; women's rights; Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer support and research; and disabled people and their families.
She has a profound and unshakeable faith on God.
Beatriz has been writing since childhood, regularly contributing to local newspapers and blogs, and has created her own blog at: www.escape-to-life.com. This is her debut as a published author and also the first in a planned series of inspirational books.
Mohammed Al Ali was born in Kahtania, Syria. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Al Furat University, in Deir ez-Zor, although his childhood ambition was to be the new Zorro.
His experiences in the Syrian Civil War led him to discover a new career as a paramedic.
Mohammed understands better than most what it means to suffer, and so he offers his kindness and strength to those whom he meets through his work, as well as assisting anyone in need of help whom he might encounter in his everyday life. His wartime experiences, and his long journey, have only strengthened his faith in God.
Mohammed is the co-author and illustrator of this book. He now lives in Germany and still works as a paramedic.
When he is not on duty, Mohammed is artistically active, enjoying photography, drawing, painting, and he has developed his own line of prints which he sells online: www.bmorcaproductions.com. Having overcome his wartime fear of planes, he is currently studying to become a pilot, a long-cherished childhood dream. His biggest hope is to encourage peace among all people and all faiths.