THERAPIST Michael Legge has taken the concept of hands-on business experience to the limit since starting a holistic clinic in Blaenavon exactly a year ago.

Mr Legge, who is 41, originally trained as a chef and worked for years in the catering industry before discovering he was losing his sight through a hereditary wasting disease But with the business advice and start-up support of Newport and Gwent Enterprise, Mr Legge now has a thriving business offering complementary medical treatments such as deep-tissue massage, acupressure, reflexology, reiki and aromatherapy.

He works out of his own clinic, which he calls Head to Toe, and in his clients' workplaces.

He said: "Business is gradually building up and I'm treating a range of people from professional sportsmen and women to people suffering disabilities."

His stress-relieving treatments have been a big success - one client even calls for 8am sessions to relax before starting the working day.

Mr Legge had special training at Pontypool and at the Royal National College for the Blind, in Hereford, before starting his clinic.

He said: "I'd never thought of running my own business before I found out I was going blind.

"But when I was learning these techniques I came to appreciate the value of being able to offer a very personal service."

His Newport & Gwent Enterprise business adviser is Linda Ford. "She's been a great supporter, counsellor and adviser," he said.

Using a portable massage chair, Mr Legge offers a 15-minute Japanese massage in his clients' workplaces.

He focuses on stress points in the neck, arms, shoulders and back - where the majority of office problems arise.

He said: "One man had experienced numbness in his left hand for two years.

"I was able to help him in his first session at work."

Ms Ford said: "Only one in ten people who start up in business as a therapist get to where Michael has got.

"He may not have sight - but he can see exactly where he's going in business."

* Michael Legge treats a client at his clinic, watched by his business adviser Linda Ford