Christchurch bodybuilder Jonathan Griffiths has added another major title to his growing collection after winning the PCA Mixed Disability British Championships in Telford to be crowned Mr Britain 2026.

The victory marks another milestone in Griffiths’ remarkable bodybuilding journey, which has seen him overcome debilitating health problems to compete against both disabled and non-disabled athletes.

The 31-year-old, who grew up around New Milton and Highcliffe before settling in Christchurch, has been competing since 2012. Earlier this year, he won the Men’s Disability class at the IBFA Mr & Miss Universe, and he is now preparing for the IBFA British Finals on October 25 before travelling to Seville for the PCA World Finals in November.

Griffiths lives with a number of conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), spinal disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and autism. A spinal injury sustained during an international school rugby tour at the age of 13 began a long medical journey, which included unsuccessful spinal fusion surgery in 2022.

His conditions mean training and recovery require careful planning around pain, fatigue and limited periods when he has enough energy to exercise.

In his victory speech, Griffiths described how CRPS can leave him experiencing “unrelenting pain”, explaining that he sometimes has only a four-hour window in a day to fit in exercise, training and managing his diet.

“My life is micromanaged by 10 to 15 minute intervals,” he said. “I can’t live the same way other people do, but I’ve managed to find ways around it.”

He added that learning to listen to his body and avoid doing too much too soon had been vital to his progress.

Griffiths also spoke about the dedication and strict discipline required to reach the stage, thanking his girlfriend Jo and his family for their support.

A graduate of Bath Spa University with a degree in Human Nutrition, Griffiths follows a meat-first, carnivore diet consisting of meat, fish, eggs and dairy, which he says has helped him manage his health while continuing to compete. He has followed the diet for four and a half years.

He has also made history as the world’s first professional mixed-disability carnivore bodybuilder and is working towards further success in the professional division.

Alongside his own competitive ambitions, Griffiths wants to use his platform to improve opportunities for other disabled bodybuilders. He hopes to raise awareness of accessibility barriers at international competitions, where travel arrangements and venue access can make participation more difficult.

Off the platform, he runs the Carnivore Muscle YouTube channel, producing educational content on nutrition and training while coaching people worldwide.

Supporters can follow his progress on his website, carnivore-muscle.com, his YouTube channel, @CarnivoreMusclePRO, or support his journey at buymeacoffee.com/carnivoremuscle