Nescot Head Chef runs London Marathon after being inspired by students

Nescot’s Head Chef ran the London Marathon on Sunday to raise money for Mencap, after being inspired by students at the college.

Prakashingh Ramloll, known to students and staff as Dee, finished the race with a time of four hours and three minutes, just outside his target time of less than four hours.

He was back at work at Nescot at 6am the following day, and has already signed up to run the marathon again next year, which he hopes will be for Mencap.

“It was an honour to take part,” Dee said. “The last few miles were very difficult, but people were calling my name and encouraging me, and that got me through the last part.

“I woke up the next day with a smile on my face, because I know I have done something good by raising money for such a wonderful charity. I’m wearing my medal with pride.”

Dee is almost half-way to his fundraising total of £2,500 for Mencap, which supports people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

He chose to fundraise for Mencap because of his experience working with Nescot students with additional needs, including three students doing placements with Dee in the college kitchens.

“The students have really motivated me to keep training, especially on days when it’s cold and rainy,” Dee said.

“They come to work with a smile on their faces, they work hard and they do their best every single day, and I have really learnt a lot from their attitudes.”

Dee works for Aramark, the company which runs Nescot’s on-site catering provision, which includes the main refectory and shop as well as the college Starbucks.

Aramark have taken on two students on supported internships, and one Foundation Learning student and four Catering students on work placements.

The students’ roles range from food preparation to serving customers, depending on their levels of experience and confidence, as well as their interests and future career plans.

You can sponsor Dee by visiting his fundraising page online here. Mencap is a charity for people with learning disabilities and their families. You can read more on their website.