A WOMAN whose participation in Keighley fitness classes has helped her regain her confidence has nominated the leader of these sessions for a Government award.

Natalie Edge, 46, has Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), but said going to the Zumba and Pumpfx sessions run by Angela Fish has been of huge benefit.

Miss Edge said: "In the time I've been attending I've achieved so much. Angela is a great instructor. She has patience and creates a relaxed atmosphere during her classes.

"When I plucked up the courage to join the gym Angela made me so welcome. There's no pressure at all, and I was able to slowly start joining in at my own pace.

"I feel so much better knowing I can attend a gym class without being judged.

"Everybody knows doing exercise helps with mental health. But for me it wasn't just about that, it was about starting to live life to the full again while battling the demons I live with every day.

"Angela's business encourages people with mental and physical disabilities to join in and have fun while meeting others.

"I felt she needed to be recognised, so I put her forward for an honorary award for her commitment to fitness and charity causes."

Miss Edge lives in Bridge Street, Keighley. She has written and published a book about living with CPTSD, called Don't Let The Demons Get You Down. This is available on Amazon.

Responding to her award nomination, Mrs Fish, who lives in Long Lee, said: "I'm quite overwhelmed actually, I never expected this."

She said another person who attends her classes, Mark Simmons, has also put her forward for the award.

In his nomination submission Mr Simmons, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, said: "Angie’s class gives me an hour of Zumba dance most nights, and for one hour I can be free.

"I cannot walk yet I can dance on two wheels. The music brings me alive on the dance floor and for a short time I am a person rather than a caged animal."