A Business Teacher and Xtras Co-Lead at Xaverian College is set to embark on a charity challenge after hearing about a former student’s experiences after finishing his Xaverian College course.
Prashant Duggal, who has been teaching Business at the College for five years, plans to complete the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 27th April 2025, after speaking with former Xaverian student, Elijah Brodie-Barrett, who studied at Xaverian from 2020-2022 after completing his GCSEs at Parrs Wood High School.
Upon leaving Xaverian, Elijah faced multiple rounds of chemotherapy and life-changing surgery due to a serious health condition. This resulted in him putting a stop to his university Degree to overcome the health issues he was facing. Commenting on one of the most challenging battles of his life, Elijah said: “The Christie Hospital kept me going. If it were not for them, their specialised treatment, and the kindness of their staff, I don’t know if I’d be here today.”
Elijah recently rang the bell to celebrate the end of his treatment and is learning to walk again with the aid of a stick. Elijah’s outlook is now much brighter as he is planning to study for a Level 4 qualification in Finance or Marketing, and he’s feeling much more optimistic about the future.
Prashant, known as ‘Flash Prash’ to his family and friends, and Elijah's former BTEC Business teacher, said: “Elijah reached out just before Christmas, and we arranged to catch up so I could offer some advice on Elijah’s future study and career options. The story he shared absolutely floored me. This was a bright young lad who had the world at his feet when leaving Xaverian and over the last few years has had to completely start from scratch.
“I have been training for around three months now and have received an overwhelming amount of support. Elijah’s story helps keep me motivated on the cold, rainy (and even icy) mornings when I would rather be on the sofa. I am hoping taking part in this challenge will help make even the smallest impact for such an amazing charity as ‘The Christie Charity’, and inspire others to think about what small acts of kindness they can spread this year.”
Every academic year, staff and students across Xaverian College get involved in a wide range of events to support charities they’re passionate about to help some of the most vulnerable people in society. They have fundraised for many organisations over the years and, more recently for CAFOD, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cornerstone.
To donate quickly, safely and securely to The Christie Charity, click here to visit Prash’s JustGiving page.