Rashford to get honorary doctorate from University of Manchester

Marcus Rashford, England striker, will receive a honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester in the summer.

The varsity took to its website on Wednesday to announce the development.

The football star, who grew up in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, will be recognised with the award, which is the highest honour the university can bestow, “for his remarkable campaign against child poverty off the field and outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch”.

The United striker is being honored for his recent charity works in which he raised £20 million to ensure continuation of the food distribution programme — a move that caused a government U-turn and the granting of free food vouchers for the poorest families over the summer.

“During the lockdown, Rashford, from Wythenshawe in Manchester, teamed up with the poverty and food waste charity, FareShare. The collaboration has led to £20 million raised in financial and food donations enabling 3.9 million meals to be distributed to the country’s most vulnerable every week during the Global COVID-19 pandemic,” the varsity wrote.

“On 15 June, he pushed the campaign forward even further by writing a heartfelt open letter to the UK Government. He followed up this message with a high-profile publicity and social media campaign drawing on his own personal experiences of using foodbanks and afterschool clubs growing up.

“36 hours later the Government announced a change in policy, extending the food voucher scheme for those children on free school meals throughout the summer holidays. Rashford’s campaign was credited as a major turning point in the Government’s thinking.”

Reacting to the award, a thankful Rashford declared that there is “still a long way to go” in the fight against child poverty.

“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. 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. Thank you to The University of Manchester,” he said.

At 22, the striker will be the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from the university.

He will also join the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton — both Manchester United legends — on the list of those who have have received the award.