Mum from near Glasgow completes marathon after losing dad
It was a momentous moment for the 45-year-old who only took up running after spending almost two years on the sofa comfort eating and watching the weight pile on after the death of her beloved dad Davie Elliot.
Now just a few years later she has a London Marathon medal proudly framed at home and next year is set to take on the Paris Half Marathon and Manchester Marathon.
Angela with her medal (Image: Sourced) Angela, who lives in Newton Mearns but grew up in Neilston, said: 'London was probably the hardest thing I've done in my life, but it was definitely up there with one of the top five experiences I've ever had.
'The crowd was insane, so noisy but so powerful.
'Now I've signed up for Manchester. That's me in the swing of it and I'm going to do the Paris Half Marathon as well.
'I think my dad would probably say I was mad.'
Angela shared a close bond and a birthday with her dad Davie (Image: Sourced) Angela was cheered on during the event by sons Samuel and Charlie and husband Graeme, who has been a great support to her during her running journey.
Angela's husband Graeme and two sons travelled down to London to cheer her on (Image: Sourced) Thanks to those who got behind her, she has raised £4,500 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The charity is close to her heart, particularly after the support they gave to her dad in his final days.
Angela and her brother Jonathan gave palliative care to their dad in his own home before he passed away, just 10 days after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Towards the end, however, they were joined by a Marie Curie nurse called Maureen, who Angela has described as an 'angel'.
Angela ran the marathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care (Image: Sourced) In the aftermath of his death, the mum-of-two hit 'an all-time low' before waking up one morning and thinking enough was enough and downloading the Couch to 5k app and completing its programme.
She had originally intended to take on the London marathon last year but a knee injury thwarted her plans.
Determined to make it to the event this year, she began working on strength training with sports therapist Ryan O'Neill at Whitecraigs Rugby Club last August.
This work and the running plan adapted to her injury which he made for her made all the difference as she prepared for and conquered the gruelling event.
Angela during the marathon (Image: Sourced) 'I ran the full 26 miles injury free in four hours and 44 minutes,' explained Angela who caught a virus in the days leading up to the marathon which threatened to put an end to her dream for a second time.
'It's just such a great feeling.
'For me running is now not about losing weight, which was my main goal back when I did the Couch to 5k.
"It's about the challenges and what's next because it's dead exciting and it gives you something to keep you going.
'For anyone considering getting into it, I would say just do it and do strength training.
"Running will make you feel amazing and like you can do anything.'
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