A super slimmer from Oxford has reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s most successful male slimmers after losing a life-changing 10st 6.5lbs.

Paul Crane, 39, won a place in the final of Slimming World’s 2024 Man of the Year competition, where he also met former England midfielder and pundit Lee Sharpe. 

Mr Crane was invited after being nominated for the competition by his fellow Headington group members and was joined by 38 other male slimmers at Slimming World’s Head Office in Derbyshire.

Mr Crane, who slimmed from 24st 11.5lbs to 14st 5lbs, says: “I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it.

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"Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want or really know how to ask for help.

"I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about joining a Slimming World group, but I soon started to recommend it to all my mates who wanted to lose weight too.

"If you told me a few years ago that I would be representing my local Slimming World group at the national finals of the Man of the Year competition, I wouldn’t have believed you – I still can’t really believe it."

Paul Crane before he lost weight Paul Crane before he lost weight (Image: Slimming World)

Mr Crane said that the support he found at his Slimming World group has been key to his success.

“I didn’t really know what to expect when I first walked through the doors, but everyone was warm and welcoming," he said. 

"Going along every week now just feels like a catch up with my friends, we motivate each other, share tips and recipe ideas and just generally support each other every step of the way."

Paul Crane meets Lee Sharpe Paul Crane meets Lee Sharpe (Image: Slimming World)

Mr Sharpe said he was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically.

"It was a pleasure to meet Paul – I can’t believe his transformation, he doesn’t look like the same bloke.

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“I think a lot of men find it difficult to admit they have a problem with something and then seek the help they need to fix it, and not just when it comes to weight.

"It’s not an easy thing to do so Paul has my utmost respect."

Charlotte McNally, who runs the Headington Slimming World group, said: “[Paul] is a real inspiration to all of the other members and I hope he inspires other people in Oxford to join our supportive Slimming World group and take the first step towards losing weight for good."

The national title winner for Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2024 competition will be announced later this month.