Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his campaign against child poverty.
The Manchester United forward is the youngest person ever to be given the award, the highest honour the university can give.
Marcus Rashford to Receive Honorary Doctorate
Free School Meals
We are delighted to make @England and @ManUtd footballer, @MarcusRashford, our youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree. pic.twitter.com/6QRtopJwqU
— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) July 15, 2020
This was announced following the campaign work Rashford has done for free school meals.
The 22-year-old asked the UK government to allow about 1.3 million children to claim school meal vouchers in the summer holidays.
Consequently, the government made a U-turn on their decision to stop the food voucher scheme. Rashford, who needed the vouchers as a child, began the #MakeTheUTurn campaign on Twitter last month before writing an open letter to the Prime Minister.
The Announcement
Very humbled, thank you @OfficialUoM ♥️ https://t.co/y16c58oEdB
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) July 15, 2020
The University of Manchester’s 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.
“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.”
Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton have previously received honorary doctorates from the university. Ferguson was given his award in 2011, after 25 years in charge of his team.
Charlton received his for his charitable work after football. This included a partnership with the university to develop new technology to accelerate the detection and removal of landmines.
Rashford will receive his honorary doctorate later this year. Meanwhile, he is expected in the starting 11 tomorrow against Crystal Palace.
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