The 2020 Queen's birthday honors list was due to be announced in June, but has been postponed to nominate those who played a key role in the first months of the COVID-19 crisis. Striker Marcus Rashford, 22, of Man United, is one of them.
Rashford has succeeded in pushing the UK government to keep schools free during the COVID-19 holiday, ensuring children in need will receive meals throughout the summer. The England international has also established a child food poverty reduction team, working with some of the country's largest supermarkets and food brands.
But what Rashford did deserved to be recognized. Before being named in the list of MBE Medals of the British Royal Family awarded by Queen Queen Queen Queen Elizabeth II, he was also the youngest honorary doctor at the University of Manchester.
"I felt really proud. As a young black man from Wythenshawe, I never thought I would receive an MBE, let alone receive this honor at the age of 22. This is truly a special moment for me and my family, especially for my mother - who deserves this honor.
The battle to protect vulnerable children is still a long way off. I hope to take this opportunity to respectfully urge the Prime Minister to support our country's children by extending the free meal program, when the policy is about to end but the unemployment is increasing.
Let's get together and say that no child in the UK has to go to bed hungry. As I have said many times before, whether it is your feelings or your views, not having access to food is never the fault of children," striker Marcus Rashford shared.
Man United Club is also very proud of what Rashford has contributed and happy that his efforts have been recognized.
"Everyone at Man United is extremely proud of Marcus for the work he has been doing to address food poverty for vulnerable children," a club statement said.
