Marcus Rashford awarded MBE for services to vulnerable children during Covid-19 pandemic

Marcus Rashford has been awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable children during the Covid-19 pandemic

The 22-year-old has used his position to back free school meals for those in need and put plans in place to set up a child food poverty task force as the pandemic continues to cause hardship.

The Manchester United forward has also insisted that he does not want to been seen as a hero despite his new honour, and used his chance to speak to the public by sending a message to the Prime Minister.

England intentionally said: “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 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 plaster, 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.”

Rashford captured the hearts of the nation by forcing the Government into a U-turn on their policy over free school meals at the beginning of lockdown, ensuring children were fed over the summer.

He said of the achievement: “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.”