A BUSINESSWOMAN with healing hands has reached the final of the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards 2019.

Marie Snapp, who owns Panache Therapies in Port Glasgow, has made the finals in the category of Masseuse of the Year.

She is up against nine other finalists from across the country and will find out if she has been successful at a gala ceremony in Glasgow on December 8.

Marie, 37 said: “I am so excited.

"For a small place like this to make the final is great, especially as I am up against people from all over Scotland.

“My lovely clients voted for me but with competition from all over I set it aside and didn’t find out I had made the finals until a friend told me.”

Tracy Mcalinden, 41, has been going to Panache Therapies for around two and a half years and says Marie changed her life.

She said: “I had suffered from a sore back for years and had tried everything I could think of.

"I hadn’t been able to turn my neck properly for a year and a half and was running out of options.

“I noticed my neighbour had been to Marie and decided to give it a go.

"I noticed a difference so quickly.

"I am now 95 per cent better than I was when I came in and it's down to Marie.

“People think I am good to myself coming every two weeks but it isn't a relaxing massage, it's a necessary one.

"Marie really deserves to be in the final, she has helped me so much."

Another client who doesn’t know where she would be without Marie’s help is Liz Ross, 66.

Liz started attending sessions with Marie two years ago.

She said: “I suffered with sciatica and it was so painful it was ridiculous.

“I walked in for a deep tissue massage with crutches and Marie dug right in.

"At the time it felt sore and I left covered in bruises but I left with my crutches under my arm.

“My husband who had hurt his back saw the difference in me and sent me straight back in to book him an appointment.

“I think its brilliant Marie has made the final.

"I don’t know where I’d be without her.

"I now have a much better quality of life and I wish her all the best for the finals.”

Marie has been in business locally since 2016 and is delighted with the strong client base she has built locally.

She said: “My clients are great and I really do try to get to know them and help in any way that I can.

“I have been doing this for about 17 years and I can honestly say I love my job.

"I love to see people improving and knowing I helped.

“I am excited about the final and want to thank all my clients for taking the time to vote for me.”