It’s Dr Rashford! Manchester United’s free school meals hero is set to receive honorary doctorate after forcing the Government into a U-turn and raising £200m for food donations
- Marcus Rashford is to be honoured by the University of Manchester
- He will become the youngest recipient in the University’s history
- It comes after his high-profile campaign against child poverty this summer
Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester this summer for his campaign against child poverty.
The Manchester United striker — who, at 22, will become the youngest recipient in the University’s history — teamed up with charity FareShare to raise £20million for food donations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rashford also helped convince the government to extend their food voucher scheme for children on free school meals throughout the summer holidays.
Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester
The England striker’s school meals campaign saw him take on the Government and win
He said: ‘It’s a proud day for myself and my family.
‘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.’
The University said it wanted to mark Rashford’s ‘remarkable campaign against child poverty’ as well as his sporting achievements.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice chancellor at the University, said: ‘Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.
At 22 he will become the youngest recipient of the honour in the University’s history
The University said it wanted to mark Rashford’s ‘remarkable campaign against child poverty’
‘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.’
