SCHOOLCHILDREN and exercise fans used their minds and bodies to help combat heart disease.

Both Coalway Junior School and Chepstow Leisure Centre have strong reasons to supporting the British Heat Foundation’s Wear It, Beat It Day.

Two pupils at the school near Coleford have heart conditions and a member of staff at the leisure centre died suddenly due to a cardiac problem.

Children at Coalway played a hearty game of dodgeball and enjoyed what was on offer at a cake sale.

Among those taking part were heart patients Angel-May Powell and Rhys Smith.

It was particularly poignant for Angel-May as this is her last year at Coalway before moving to Lakers School in September.

Mum Claire said: “The school has been very supportive of us as a family and the British Heart Foundation.

“We are very passionate about this charity as Angel has a mitral valve prolapse.

“She takes regular medication for her condition and we have no idea what the future brings but she’s a fighter.

“This is Angel’s last year at Coalway before she starts a new journey at senior school.

“We are so proud of her and so grateful that the school supports the charity.”

Staff at Chepstow Leisure Centre organised a static bike ride and a quiz in memory of colleague Neil Allmark who died suddenly last year from a heart condition aged just 29.

“Leisure assistant Katie Thompson said: “We had 24 people riding the bike and 70 people came to a quiz.

“The day was a huge success and we raised £792.48.”

The total was helped by a raffle with prizes including a rugby ball signed by Welsh captain Sam Warburton, tickets for a Newport Gwent Dragons rugby match and a ball signed by the Newport County football team.