Therapist recognised with excellence award

Mary Atkinson was awarded the title in recognition of the support she has provided thousands of people across the world throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, by sharing live Story Massage sessions online.

Mary said: "This is such an honour. It felt a privilege to be find a way of helping to bring comfort and reassurance to families at such a difficult time. This award recognises the power of positive, nurturing touch for children and adults of all ages and abilities.”

The award would have been presented to Mary in person at an annual conference organised by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) - the UK’s leading professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists. However, due to COVID-19, this year’s celebrations had to be conducted remotely, as part of a special online FHT Excellence Awards Presentation.

Christopher Byrne, president of the FHT, said: “At the FHT, we know the incredible work that our members are doing on a day-to-day basis, to help others. The FHT Excellence Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate these achievements and show the world at large what a difference therapies can make to others’ health and wellbeing, through real-life stories.

“Throughout COVID-19, I’m incredibly proud of FHT members such as Mary, who have really gone the extra mile to find new ways to ensure that those most in need can continue to feel nurtured and connected to others, at a time when physical touch has often not been possible or greatly restricted. Her work is exemplary of the wonderful and varied types of support our members have to offer in order to support others’ physical and mental wellbeing. Well done and thank you for all you have done to help those in your local community and beyond.”

In 2013, Mary co-founded the Story Massage Programme, which is based on ten simple massage strokes that are used to illustrate the words of a story. As the UK entered the first lockdown in March, Mary immediately looked to find a way to continue sharing this simple form of nurturing, positive 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 YouTube 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.

For more information, visit storymassage.co.uk

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.