This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to tackling child poverty and his on-field football achievements. On July 13, 2020, Rashford was in action with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) [Pool via REUTERS].
At just 22, Rashford is the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Manchester. He follows United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, both of whom were also honoured by the university.
"It’s a proud day for myself and my family," Rashford said. "When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling."
President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: "Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field."
During lockdown, Rashford worked alongside the poverty and food waste charity, FareShare to help raise £20 million in financial and food donations, enabling 3.9m meals to be distributed to the country’s most vulnerable families every week during the coronavirus pandemic.
Just 36 hours after Rashford penned an open letter to the UK Government, calling for them to reverse their decision not to award free meals to vulnerable children during the summer holidays, the Government announced a change in policy, extending the food voucher scheme for those children on free school meals throughout the summer holidays.
A spokesperson from Manchester United said: "Marcus is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. His work with FareShare and his focus on child poverty make him richly deserving of this tremendous honour and everyone at Manchester United is incredibly proud of him."
