Manchester United out-and-out striker, Marcus Rashford, will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his “remarkable campaign against child poverty” which caused a government U-turn and the granting of free food vouchers for the poorest families over the summer.
The 22-year-old England international will become the youngest person to receive the honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester after legends, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Vincent Kompany previously received the award from the university. It is the highest honour the University of Manchester can bestow on an individual.
Rashford campaigned for the English government to allow about 1.3 million children to claim free school meal vouchers in England’s summer holidays.
“It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling,” the forward said on receiving the news.
“We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot.”
British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had initially rejected the Manchester United striker’s calls before he reversed his decision last month.
Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, and will become the university’s youngest recipient of the award. It also recognises his “outstanding sporting achievements.”
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, the university President and Vice-Chancellor, said, “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field. His work for charity and his high-profile campaign will not only help countless young people across our own city but across the entire country.
“Our university has social responsibility at its core and this sense of civic pride and duty is something we are proud to share with Marcus. That is why the university is delighted to make Marcus our youngest-ever recipient of an honorary degree.”
Red Devil’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, said, “We’re so proud of Marcus and I’ve said it a few times, the great person he is and a great human being who cares so much more about others than himself. Very proud of him and hopefully he’ll keep his personality for the rest of his life and be himself.”
Food vouchers – for £15 a week – will be made available to around 1.3m children in England who are currently eligible for the scheme, and will last for six weeks in what has been called a “Covid Summer Food Fund”.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing earlier in Downing Street, Boris Johnson said: “I talked to Marcus Rashford today and congratulated him on his campaign which to be honest I only became aware of very recently, today – and I thank him for what he’s done.
“I think he is right to draw attention to this issue.”
The Department for Education had initially said it would not extend the voucher scheme despite an emotional letter to MPs written by Rashford, in which he said “the system isn’t built for families like mine to succeed”.
Responding to the news, Rashford tweeted: “I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”
He later posted a longer tweet directed at MPs which read: “This was never about me or you, this was never about politics, this was a cry out for help from vulnerable parents all over the country and I simply provided a platform for their voices to be heard.
“I stand proud today knowing that we have listened, and we have done what is right. There is still a long way to go but I am thankful to you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight.
“The wellbeing of our children should ALWAYS be a priority.”