A BODYBUILDING Gold Medallist and three-time UK Para Bodybuilding Champion has released his bestselling biography, written by a Chard-based photographer.
Ed Akay, 42, from Sidmouth, released his biography “From Darkness”, written by Chard-based Jason Reading, 55, and filled with Jason’s photography.
Jason said: “When I first took up photography, I never expected to become a writer of a real-life Rocky Balboa story, let alone a bestselling author.
“It has been some journey telling a story that needed documenting to inspire future generations and anyone who has been told that they will amount to nothing. Who does not love an underdog done good?”
Ed said: “I was really honoured when Jason, the photographer, came up to me many years ago and said I would like to work on a book with you.
“We have a story of overcoming a childhood trauma to earning a Natural Mr Universe Title. It follows an underdog narrative.
“I just feel very blessed and chuffed.”
According to Ed, he was surprised to see that the book quickly became a bestseller on Amazon, making the number one spot in both the Portrait and Portrait Photography categories, as well as number 12 in Exercise and Fitness.
“From Darkness” tells the story of how, at three years old, Ed was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which is a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed.
Despite this, he was pushed by his family to “fight back” and decided to pursue a future of being an entrepreneur, a model and a bodybuilder.
He said: “I had a normal childhood up until I was around three years old, which is when I got struck down with an illness. They said to my dad at the time, ‘he is going to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life,’ and my dad refused to accept this.
“While I was in a wheelchair, he bought me a punching bag, made me watch Mike Tyson and punch it even though it hurt.”
Ed said his father refused to recognise him as having a disability, including not registering him with a disability, which he acknowledges as “harsh” and “unconventional”.
READ MORE: 23-year-old midwife from Yeovil sets sights on Miss England crown
READ MORE: Beauty salon run by best friends opens in Ilminster town centre
READ MORE: Ilminster public toilets reopen after closing due to 'electrical fault'
Despite this, Ed claims the therapy worked and set him on the path of being able to walk again.
Ed said: “I don’t know what my life would have been like if I had more conventional therapy at the time, because I had to really struggle for this.
“I see it as a positive because it gave me a lesson in determination and grit. To me, the glass is always half full.”
Following this, Ed would eventually go on to become an international model, making the covers of 60 publications and then eventually started competing in the International Natural Bodybuilding Championship – hoping to inspire others to do the same.
The book also features a contribution from Inflammatory Neuropathies UK, the only UK charity dedicated to providing information and support to people impacted by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
To celebrate the book’s success, Jason will also be releasing a 2026 calendar showcasing more of his photography.
Matthew White (CEO of MW Strength & Performance), Ed’s Trainer, said: “Every once in a while, you get to witness greatness up close.
“Watching Ed rise, learn, and ultimately become a three-time British & Natural Mr Universe Champion is something I’ll always hold close.
“Ed’s story is one of perseverance, humility, bounce-back ability, and driven excellence. His success is his own, built on relentless work, discipline, and belief. I’m simply proud to have played a small part in that incredible journey. Winners win & champions win championships.”
Share