In 2013, Mary co-founded the Story Massage Programme, which is based on ten massage strokes used to illustrate the words of a story. As we entered the first lockdown, Mary immediately looked to find a way to continue sharing this simple form of nurturing touch with as many people as possible. She produced a free booklet of 36 new massage stories and was overwhelmed by the initial response from over 2,000 people in schools, family homes and community groups. A teacher then approached her about starting live Facebook, Instagram and You Tube sessions, and so Mary and her trusty teddy, Emmanuel, took to the screen on a regular basis, to share different follow-along massage stories. For many, and especially those with children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, her live sessions provided a focus for the week, bringing them connection, fun and relaxation in an uncertain world. 

And many congratulations to our finalists for this award, Malminder Gill, Sal Hanvey, Andrea Lambell, Joy Shaw and Alexandra Skanderowicz. 

Please revisit our blog just after 3pm, when we’ll be announcing our 2020 Beauty Therapist of the Year!