When she arrived in Sheffield 5 years ago, Maria was involved in rehabilitation of people addicted to drugs, many of whom are HIV positive. Maria's Brother Francisco died of AIDS in 1991 and during 14 years she was dedicated to this work.

Being a psychology student, her life direction changed when aged 20 decided she wanted to get to know the world. Began to travel and during years she lived in the south of France, Paris, Londres, Wales, and finally Amsterdam.

Her personal experience and the example her great-grandfather (Camilo Catelo-Branco, a famous Portuguese writer from last century) has motivated her to write from this project.