A BARNSLEY man who lost more than 20 stones in weight – and the man who helped him to do so – will host an event at the Civic in September to raise funds for Barnsley Hospice.
Barugh Green man Jonathan Hodgson, 36, started his journey in January 2021 after struggling with his confidence and seeing a deterioration in his mental health.
He reached out to Pete Shaw at Barnsley Barbell – a unit based at Oaks Business Park on Oaks Lane – which provide private personal training, one-to-one coaching and boot camps.
He then completed a 28-day transformation programme during the pandemic – and he’s hoping to inspire others to follow the same path at the event.
Jonathan said: “I was extremely down and depressed.
“Looking back, it’s crazy to see how far I’ve come and how much better I feel in myself.
“Especially considering there was no gastric band and it was all done naturally.
“My coach, Pete, and now my good friend, has made all of this possible and I couldn’t have done it without him.
“I’ve done a complete U-turn – I’m finally living a life I once only dreamed of.”
Pete added: “What Jonathan has achieved will seem impossible to many.
“But that’s why we’re so excited for the event – so we can show people that it’s not impossible and that there is a way.
“There is hope and you are not alone.”
The event is scheduled to take place on September 22, more details will follow nearer the time.
All ticket sales and proceeds will go directly to the charity.
