A Torfaen woman who gave birth during lockdown and started running to help manage postnatal depression is taking part in her first marathon.
Angie Belli from Pontypool is running the Newport Marathon and raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. She chose the charity after her aunt Denise was diagnosed with the disease in 2011, aged 57. Her uncle Tony organises a fundraiser for the charity every year so she decided to support them.
She said: “Running was escapism after lockdown. During lockdown I had my little girl and to get out of the rut with postnatal depression I put my earphones in and get out and run.
“Postnatal depression and friends and family passing away in lockdown really took their toll. Exercise was the last thing on my list and I lost all confidence in myself and my abilities. There were times when I was ready to give up, however being able to lace up my trainers and go for a jog when I finally could gave me escapism and time to clear my mind of all the negative thoughts. Jogging along to music of all sorts gives me a feeling of release like no other.
“I needed to challenge myself with a distance. I decided to challenge myself with a distance and did the Mic Morris 10km and loved it. I thought ‘what’s the next challenge?’ and did a half-marathon.
“But I need something else to motivate me apart from the distance. My aunty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, she was the youngest in Caerphilly County Borough. It was the opportunity of doing something, to raise money. There is a strong connection with my family and an attachment to the charity.”
Sponsor Angie
She has set up a JustGiving page where you make a donation. Click here to sponsor her.
Angie is a member of Piping Hot Cwmbran , a traditional bagpipe and folk music ensemble. On Saturday 25 February, they are playing in Cwmbran town centre to raise money for her appeal.
And on Friday 7 April she has organised an evening of ‘fun and music’ at Blaenavon Constitutional Club. Tickets are £5 and include free entry to a prize draw on the night. Message Angie on Facebook for tickets or to donate a raffle prize.
Aunty Denise on ITV Wales
Her aunt Denise was interviewed on ITV Wales in 2017 about living with Alzheimer’s. Watch it here
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