James Garner lost 12stone 3lbs

A comedy promoter says losing more than 12 stone has given him  the confidence to attend the Edinburgh Fringe to scout new talent for the first time.

James Garner, 35 and 6ft 1in, weighed more than 26 stone at his heaviest, and said slimming down transformed his health and gave him the motivation and confidence to grow his Cambridgeshire stand-up promotion company, Chuckl.

He said: ‘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 had gotten 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 losing 12st 3lbs since joining the group in January 2023, his waist has shrunk from 52 inches to 32. An 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.

Garner – whose day job is as a manager for Screwfix – said: ‘My group has played such a massive part in my journey. 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.

‘I started off just wanting to feel more in control, but the more weight I lost, the more my whole life changed.’

He has just been at the Fringe with his business partner Harrison Salter. He said: ’We 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 knew 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 Garner 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. I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved.’ 

Published: 19 Aug 2025