James loses 12st 3.5lbs to follow his comedy dreams at the Edinburgh Fringe
A comedy promoter from Cambridgeshire has lost an incredible 12st 3.5lbs (78kg), transforming his health and giving him the motivation and confidence to grow his stand-up business. This month he attended the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to scout new talent for the first time.
James Garner, 35, who says his weight loss has also enabled him to become a more hands-on dad and helped in his day job as a Screwfix manager too, explains: “I’ve always loved comedy, but before losing weight I wouldn’t have been physically or mentally ready for something like the Fringe. Travelling, long days, late nights – it used to feel impossible. Now, I get such a buzz from all it.
“Before I lost weight, I felt like life was happening around me rather than with me. I was constantly exhausted. Even simple things like running around after my children or getting through the day at work left me feeling drained. My mental health was at rock bottom, and my marriage and relationship with my children were suffering.
“When my health started to suffer too, I knew it was time to make a change. I had developed sleep apnoea, and it was so bad my wife Jenni was genuinely worried one day I just wouldn’t wake up. I have three amazing children Kayden, 14, Izzy, 12, and Asher, six, and I wanted to be around to watch them all grow up. I found my nearest Slimming World group and I didn’t look back, now I’ve got the confidence, I’ve got the stamina, and I’m proud of myself for the first time in a long time.”
In recognition of his transformation, James has been named Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2025. He was nominated by the other members of his Littleport Slimming World group, before winning the national competition.
James says: “To think that just a couple of years ago I was out of breath walking up the stairs, and now I’m Slimming World’s Man of the Year – it’s surreal. It shows what’s possible when you start believing in yourself and surround yourself with the right support. My group has played such a massive part in my journey. Each week we share our plans and the challenges we might have, and leave feeling set up for the week ahead. I joined a room full of strangers, a bit nervous that I might be the only man there, and now we are a big group of supportive friends who champion each other’s success.”
James, who weighed more than 26st at his heaviest, says it was a supportive atmosphere and the practical advice from his Consultant and the other members that helped him form lasting habits: “I started off just wanting to feel more in control, but the more weight I lost, the more my whole life changed. The plan helped me re-learn how to eat well and rebalance, and to eat real food too. It wasn’t about restriction; it was about making smarter choices. Instead of convenience foods and quick snacks, I was preparing meals that left me full and energised. Before Slimming World, I’d skip breakfast, grab something fried or processed at lunchtime, and then rely on takeaways most nights. Now, I make big hearty meals at home – things like homemade curries and roast dinners and I meal prep now w so I have something healthy and filling on the road or on long days at work. I cook at home with my children and I’m creating healthy habits for them which means so much to me.”
I found my nearest Slimming World group and I didn’t look back.
Inspired by hearing other members in group, James used Slimming World’s physical activity support programme to start moving more in his own daily life. He says: “At first, walking around the block felt like a marathon. But I started small, walking with the kids, getting my steps in at lunch, and it became part of my routine. Now, I go on weekend bike rides with my children and can spend all day on my feet without a problem. I’ve also started regular sessions with my friend who’s a personal trainer, and that’s taken things to another level and I’m feeling stronger as well as fitter. Being an active dad means the world to me and I know being active is important to help me keep the weight off now. Before, I’d sit on the sidelines. Now, I’m the one leading the games.”
James said the changes didn’t just affect him physically but in every part of his life. He says: “At Screwfix, I manage a team and lead on wellbeing, and I feel like I can genuinely be an example to others now. I know what it’s like to struggle with motivation and low energy. Supporting others to make positive changes is something I’m passionate about.”
And in a major step for his comedy promotion company, Chuckl, James has attended the Edinburgh Fringe with his business partner Harrison, where they spent the week taking in the delights of the Fringe Festival and scouting shows and up and coming comedians to add to their roster. He says: “Myself and Harrison started our business before I lost the weight, but I wasn’t in the right mindset or physical condition to really go for it. I had ambition, but my body, confidence and energy levels weren’t in sync with that. Now, I’m able to put a lot more into it, in an evening I’m often researching acts or liaising with venues, before I would’ve been far too tired to do any of that”
Sharon Heaps, who runs the Littleport Slimming World group James attends, says: “James is such an asset to have in group – his honesty and, of course, his humour, have helped so many others on their journeys too. Watching James at group each week has been a joy. He brings so much positivity and is always cheering others on. I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved and the example he’s set, not just for his children but for anyone who thinks change isn’t possible.”
As James reflects on his achievement, he says his journey has transformed the lives of his whole family: “I look back at photos and barely recognise myself. I’m still the same person, but now I’m present. My business is thriving, my team at work is thriving – and most importantly, my three kids have the dad they deserve. Slimming World didn’t just change my life, it gave me the life I’ve always dreamed of.”
Group: James attends the Littleport Slimming World group in Cambridge run by Consultant Sharon Heaps.
VITAL STATS:
Name: James Garner
Age: 35
Height: 6ft 1inch
Starting weight: 26st 3lb
Current weight: 13st 13.5lbs
Total weight loss: 12st 3.5lb
Waist size before: 52 inches
Waist size now: 32 inches
Date joined Slimming World: 10th January 2023
Before menu
Breakfast: Bacon roll or fast-food breakfast on the go
Mid-morning: Latte from coffee shop
Lunch: Meal deal sandwich with crisps and chocolate bar and energy drink
Dinner: Take-away or convenience meals like chicken nuggets and chips
Snacks: Share bag of crisps and chocolate
After menu
Breakfast: Fruit with low-fat yogurt and black coffee
Mid-morning: Sugar free red bull and Slimming World high fibre bar
Lunch: Homemade pasta salad or chicken salad sandwich
Dinner: Skinless chicken thighs, rice and mixed veg or Pasta and meatballs with cheese
Snacks: Bag of low-calorie crisps, Slimming World high fibre bar and lots of fruit throughout the day