There wasn’t a dry-eye left in the house when Musharaf Asghar took centre stage to read aloud at his leaver’s assembly on Educating Yorkshire back in 2013.
If the name Musharaf, known to most as ‘Mushy’, doesn’t ring a bell to you, then the heartwarming moment mentioned above is sure to jog your memory. When it comes to the most memorable television moments of the last decade, there’s no doubt this makes the cut.
It was the perfect example of ‘lump-in-your-throat’ TV viewing and a scene that Brits will never forget.
Educating Yorkshire was the second instalment of the award-winning hit fly-on-the-wall Channel 4 ‘Educating’ series and is arguably one of the most well-loved, having outperformed every other instalment by averaging 3.46 million viewers each episode.
Set in Thornhill Community Academy in West Yorkshire, the series had its fair share of moments, interactions and pupils that will be remembered for years to come, but no other pupil captured the love of the nation quite like Mushy did. A kind but shy pupil with an acute stammer and a goal of achieving a C in his English GCSE, Musharaf found a mentor in his teacher Mr Burton.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZcInWozAk
Mr Burton worked with Mushy to help overcome his stammer and build confidence in speaking by using an unusual, yet extremely effective way of reading a poem aloud whilst listening to music through headphones – a technique he says he discovered from watching the 2010 film The King’s Speech. To Mr Burton’s surprise, Mushy executes the reading of the poem in a way he was unable to manage before.
Later in the episode, during the Year 11 leaver’s assembly, Mushy is invited to speak in front of his peers and goes on to deliver a triumphant speech to an understandably emotional audience.
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He also achieved his C in GCSE English too and a place in the nation’s hearts.
Now, seven years on from this life changing moment, Musharaf Asghar is an accomplished motivational speaker and travels across the UK to talk about his experiences and the obstacles he has overcome.
Truly honoured and humbled for all the lovely messages I’m receiving. It’s been a surreal journey. I am so proud to say I am now a motivational speaker. If you’re interested in booking myself in for a keynote, feel free to get into contact. Thank you ♥️ #EducatingYorkshirepic.twitter.com/yOnu928vDZ
He also regularly posts videos discussing a range of topics to his YouTube channel with over 7,000 subscribers and engages with fans on social media too.
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His willingness to share and speak about important issues has seen thousands come out to support him online.
So delighted for your success Musharaf. Loved Educating Yorkshire more than all the others and that was because of you and Mr.Burton. 👏👏👏👏👏
You know what Musharaf? You are the reason I teach! You had me in floods of tears and shouting at the tv and willing you with all my might to do that speech!!! 🙏🏻What an outstanding, exceptional young man you are – and a reminder that we can do anything we put our minds to!!! 😉
I can remember so vividly watching you on EY and crying floods of tears, how fantastic that you have made a career out of speaking, what an inspiration you are. Wishing you every success for the future.
You are amazing. By sharing your struggles as a teenager which is a difficult time on its own & relatable you have helped so many others. Many people watched this & hopefully had more compassion & patience with others. You continue to show you can achieve your dreams. 👏
If you needed a reason to feel inspired today, then surely this will do it, right?
Mushy, you are a hero.
Want to keep up to date with Mushy’s journey? You can follow him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGFitAk2w-o&t=37s
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Half of Mancs don’t know how to cook Christmas dinner, new survey reveals
Emily Sergeant
Christmas dinner is one of the key parts of any festive celebration.
No matter whether you choose to tuck into a traditional roast with all the trimmings and lashings of gravy, or you prefer to go for something a little different like a curry or a Chinese instead, your Christmas dinner is a chance to gather round with your loved ones and enjoy one of the heartiest meals you’ll likely have all year.
However, some shocking new figures have revealed that half of Manchester residents have no clue how to even cook a Christmas dinner.
Through a major study by the UK’s leading electrical retailer, AO.com, it was revealed that the majority of our city’s residents are “losing confidence” in preparing even the simplest of British dishes – with a traditional roast or Christmas dinner being one of them.
A new survey has revealed that half of Mancs don’t know how to cook Christmas dinner / Credit: Freepik | GoodFon
As part of its new campaign to get Brits back into the kitchen, AO found that just 57% of respondents reckon they would be able to make a roast dinner, 52% could whip up a classic shepherd’s pie, 58% could cook bangers and mash, merely 61% could prepare a full English breakfast, and again, only 57% could tackle fish and chips.
Classic desserts are clearly a struggle for us Mancs too, according to the survey, as only 19% of respondents said they’d feel confident cooking a Christmas pudding.
The survey also found that nationwide, it was Gen Z – those between the age of 16 and 27 – that are the least confident in their ability to cook great British classics, while on the other end of the spectrum, Baby Boomers are the most capable, proving that culinary confidence increases with age.
Our region’s residents are apparently ‘losing confidence’ at cooking simple British classics / Credit: Freepik
Commenting on the results, Jay Lockton, oven expert at AO.com, said: “Kitchens should be a place of creativity and joy, but our data shows that a lot of people in Manchester are losing confidence in preparing even the simplest of British dishes.
“Based on our findings, many younger people may be opting for convenience foods or takeaways due to their busy schedules and the perception that cooking from scratch is time-consuming or difficult.
“But with simple guidance and the right tools, we believe everyone can rediscover the joy and simplicity of homemade meals.”
Featured Image – gpointstudio (via Freepik)
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One in six Brits would rather have a curry than a Christmas dinner, new survey reveals
Emily Sergeant
One in six Brits would apparently rather have a curry on Christmas Day in place of a traditional roast dinner, a new survey has revealed.
With the big day merely moments away, it won’t be long before we all sit down to tuck into what is always one of the biggest and heartiest meals of the whole year – but, if the results of a new survey is anything to go by, for a good chunk of Brits, this year’s Christmas feast won’t be the typical roast turkey that tradition’s always called for.
Instead, one in six would rather stray off the beaten track and opt for an Indian instead.
After a shocking survey by Next revealed last year that more than 12 million Brits think Yorkshire puddings belong with your Christmas dinner, around 1,000 UK adults have been polled by instatprint this time around to discover what’s making it on the festive feasting plate in just a few weeks time.
And, as to be expected, some weird and wonderful food combinations feature on the list, with over a third of Brits apparently planning on having sausages instead of the usual Christmas meats, and chips and beans also seem to be on the menu for the fussier eaters among us too.
One in six Brits would apparently rather have a curry than a Christmas dinner / Credit: Andy Hay (via Unsplash)
Chicken nuggets, eggs, caviar, goat’s cheese, haggis, and chimichurri were some of the other rogue choices given by some of the survey respondents.
Then, when it comes to the accompanying sides to the main event, 11% even revealed they plan on tucking into some macaroni cheese with their Christmas dinner this year, with another 11% sharing that mushy peas are a must on their plate too.
17% of Brits will be enjoying mustard, 13% will be squirting ketchup on their roast, and 7% will apparently be enjoying a dollop of mayonnaise too.
It’s all according to the results from a surprising new survey / Credit: Nicole Michalou (via Pexels)
But while some clearly like to freestyle their Christmas dinner and pop whatever they fancy on the plate, others are apparently ditching the norm all together, as the survey has revealed that only half of Brits are set on having their traditional Christmas dinner this year.
As mentioned, almost one in six would much rather tuck into an Indian curry, but not only that, 6% of us would rather have a Chinese, 5% would enjoy Mexican, and another 5% would opt for tapas if it was an option too.
Emily Sergeant -
29th June 2020 
