Two weeks ago this emotional video of year 7 student Musharaf Asghar went viral. It shows the brave teen give a speech after being bullied for years due to his debilitating stammer.
Musharaf, or ‘Mushy,’ featured in Channel 4’s ‘Educating Yorkshire’ and the programme tracked his progress through school, in particular his journey studying for his GSCE speaking exam.
After struggling with answering questions in class and missing school due to being teased over his speech impediment, Mushy receives some extra help from his English teacher, Mr Burton. Time passes and after minimal progress, Mr Burton tries a new tactic to help Mushy find his voice.
He draws inspiration from academy award winning film ‘The King’s Speech.’ The film, starring Colin Firth, tells the story of King George VI and his struggle to overcome his stammer. In the film, he hires a therapist that makes George listen to music with earphones and try speaking over the top. Miraculously, his stammer disappeared.
Mr Burton uses the same trick to aid Mushy, and amazingly he is able recite an entire passage with ease.
As a farewell to the school, Mushy uses his newfound voice to make a speech at his final assembly. Emotions run high amongst his teachers and classmates as he manages to speak confidently for the first time.
What a brave kid!