On Thursday 7th of October 2021, England International and Manchester United player Marcus Rashford received a honorary Doctorate (MBE) from the University of Manchester. Thus making him the youngest to achieve this feat. Not only will he be known as an amazing footballer, but an all round good person. Is there anything this man can’t do?.
Marcus Rashford received this MBE for services to vulnerable children in the UK. The government was originally set to end the scheme, which only runs during the school term. But after crafting a powerful open letter to lawmakers, Rashford forced a U-turn. He campaigned for the government to ensure that vulnerable children were given meals during the coronavirus lockdown. He has since formed a child food poverty task force, linking up with some of the nation’s biggest supermarkets and food brands.
Marcus’ speech on receiving this award: “To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.
Marcus Rashford Award Ceremony
“I’m here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty. Yesterday, millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to 1 in 3 children. For that reason, today is bittersweet. “It’s time that representatives got out into communities like mine. It’s time they saw first-hand the true measure of struggle. COVID-19 can no longer be used as an excuse.”
He also added “The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over. 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, who recommended me for this honour, 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”.
Marcus stood out and stood for a vulnerable group in his community and in the UK at large. during a historical period when humanity faced so many tests and were fighting for a solution, for survival. He was and still is a beacon of hope for less privileged children who are the future of this planet, having the emotional awareness and drive to achieve this at the age of just 22 is immense and commendable, we hope young Marcus can be a great example to everyone of us and motivate us all to be better people.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4ElGQ7JK9c