Manchester United’s Rashford awarded MBE

Manchester United star, Marcus Rashford was awarded an Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) today by Prince William after his campaign to help feed vulnerable kids during the pandemic.

Rashford and his mum, Melanie Rashford arrived at Windsor Castle this morning for the ceremony.

The 24-year-old became a national hero last year after he successfully lobbied the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy during lockdown, ensuring children in need would receive meals across the summer.

He has spoken of his own childhood when his mum Melanie went hungry so she could feed her children and he paid tribute to her after the Prime Minister recommended him for the MBE.

He said at the time: “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.

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“This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.”

Marcus was named as an MBE recipient last year but the ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic.

The England star has since formed a child food poverty taskforce, which has linked up with some of the country’s biggest supermarkets and food brands.

He was also recently named in the Powerlist 2022 – the annual list of the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage – which honours standout men and women across business, science, technology and the arts.

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Last month, he also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester.

He said it felt “bittersweet” collecting his honorary degree for tackling child poverty the day after the Universal Credit uplift was retracted.