31/08/2025
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 apnea, 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.
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 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. I meal prep now 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.”
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. Being an active dad means the world to me. 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. 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”
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.”
://youtu.be/AeOcWAd9UyA?si=mdOg-d3hlGTXc9xt
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...
