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BBC at Loughborough College to hear Brannon’s inspirational story

Posted: 31st January 2020 - 1:35pm
BBC at Loughborough College to hear Brannon’s inspirational story

BBC radio has been hearing the inspirational story of student Brannon Underwood who had been branded ‘unteachable’ before he arrived at Loughborough College – but is now a multiple award-winning young chef.

The 17 year old was once excluded from school nine times in one month and had been taking medication to help manage ADHD and other conditions affecting his behaviour since primary school but told BBC Radio Leicester breakfast presenter James Carpenter that thanks to the support he has had at Loughborough College, including from hospitality and catering lead and chef lecturer Darren Creed and his fellow students, he is now medication-free and has ambitions to open his own restaurants.

Brannon recently so impressed judges at the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of the Year finals that he has been invited to train at the two Michelin star London restaurant Bibendum. He and teammates Grace McGreal and Chandni Khatri have also won a coveted place at the Zest Quest Asia 2020 finals. The hospitality and catering student won multiple awards at the Welsh International Culinary Competition and he will soon be representing the College at the Country Range Student Chef Challenge national finals.

“I used to take six tablets a day but since I started cooking at the College I take none… I love food, the flavours you find, the new experiences it gives you… I‘ve got a big future and big goals. I don’t want one restaurant, I want three or four…,” said Brannon.

Darren explained: “We had had the report on Brannon but when he arrived in our kitchen we thought it couldn’t be the same person. He’s gone from strength to strength from that first day to now. He’s come on in leaps and bounds.

“We have a huge network of support at Loughborough College. Every single learner is different and you’ve got to sit down and speak to them and see what makes them tick, find out what they like and go from there. Everyone is an individual and we work on that basis.”

Listen to Brannon and Darren on BBC Radio Leicester 1:08.30 and 1:47.17 into the show and in news bulletins on the hour throughout the show here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07ygyby#play

Pictured: Loughborough College student Brannon Underwood after being awarded a special prize in recognition of his outstanding achievement – the chance to train at a two Michelin star London restaurant