Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s delayed birthday honours list.
Rashford’s MBE comes for his services to children in the United Kingdom during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Marcus Rashford Awarded an MBE
Life Before Football
Rashford delivered his best goalscoring season for Manchester United in 2019/20, but life always comes before football, and away from football Marcus Rashford has been fighting far more serious battles.
The 22-year-old has deservedly gained himself a hero’s reputation in 2020.
In difficult times, Rashford has stood up for those that need him, without being asked or forced into doing so.
Months ago, Rashford pushed for a U-turn from the UK Government, ensuring that free school meals would be provided to children in need across the country.
The football star didn’t stop there. He has since gone one step further and secured a link with major supermarkets and food companies alike across the United Kingdom.
Rashford is showing no signs of letting up and in a statement across his social media channels, where he reacted to receiving the honour has already encouraged the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, to extend the voucher scheme in place.
Rashford also dedicates the honour to his mother.
Here we have a humble young man, shining as a footballer, but first and foremost, as a human being.
Rashford Statement Following MBE Award
A statement from Marcus Rashford reads:
“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.
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 plater, 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.”
Manchester United Proud of Rashford
Manchester United have themselves reacted with great pride to Rashford’s recognition, as have many of his compatriots.
“Everyone at Manchester United hugely proud of Marcus for the work he has been doing to tackle food poverty among vulnerable children,” a club spokesman told the club website.
“His campaigning has raised awareness of a crucial issue and made a positive difference and we are delighted to see his efforts being recognised with this honour.”
When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going
The Queen’s birthday honours list was originally due to be released in June, however, was delayed to allow time to highlight those who have demonstrated particular impact throughout the trying times imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, as they say. Marcus Rashford did exactly that. A deserved honour for an honourable young man, who will never stop fighting for what’s right.
Main Photo
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