Marcus Rashford awarded MBE for services to vulnerable children during Covid-19 pandemic
Posted Saturday, October 10, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk
Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford has been recognised for having a significant impact on the community following his campaign to end child poverty in the form of an MBE
Marcus Rashford has been awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable children during the Covid-19 pandemic
The 22-year-old has used his position to back free school meals for those in need and put plans in place to set up a child food poverty task force as the pandemic continues to cause hardship.
The Manchester United forward has also insisted that he does not want to been seen as a hero despite his new honour, and used his chance to speak to the public by sending a message to the Prime Minister.
The England intentional said: "The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over.
Marcus Rashford has been included in the Queen's Birthday Honours list (Image: Getty Images)
"I would be doing my community, and the families I have met and spoken with, an injustice if I didn't use this opportunity to respectfully urge the Prime Minister to support our children during the October half-term with an extension of the voucher scheme, as the furlough scheme comes to an end and we face increased unemployment.
"Another sticking plaster, but one that will give the parents of millions of children in the UK just one less thing to worry about.
"Let's stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry.
"As I have said many times before, no matter your feeling or opinion, not having access to food is never the child's fault."
Rashford captured the hearts of the nation by forcing the Government into a U-turn on their policy over free school meals at the beginning of lockdown, ensuring children were fed over the summer.
He said of the achievement: "I'm incredibly honoured and humbled.
"As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22.
"This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour."
Marcus Rashford has dedicated the award to his mother Melanie (Image: Twitter: @MarcusRashford)
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed his star forward for his efforts in the community over the summer, stating that it was his honour to work with the England intentional.
He said in July: “It’s an honour to have Marcus and what he’s done during this lockdown has been unbelievable.
"When he can help so many people that need it, so many kids. He’s shown, he’s taken from his own experience when he was a kid.
"I know how much it means for the kids and we, as a club, are immensely proud of him.”
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