Yet another fantastic achievement to add to the list
Marcus Rashford will become the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Manchester, in recognition of his achievements as a footballer and his campaigns against child poverty.
The Manchester United and England forward joins the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in receiving the award, which is the highest honour a university can gift.
Speaking to the club’s official website back in July 2020, Rashford said: “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.”
The 23-year-old has been a pioneer and inspiration for many after using his platform to raise awareness and tackle the issues surrounding poverty, whilst open letters to the government have seen them actively change their stance on policies such as free school meals.
Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay OBE took to social media to express his delight saying that it “is a highlight of my seven-year tenure.”
Later today Marcus Rashford will become the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from The University of Manchester. I am Chancellor at University of Manchester. This is a highlight of my seven year tenure .
photo by The Guardianhttps://t.co/jD1K7Aq3ex pic.twitter.com/fNpaUGvVQ6
— lemn sissay OBE FRSL (@lemnsissay) October 7, 2021
The University of Manchester’s president and vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, added: “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.
“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.”
Related links:
- Marcus Rashford returns to full training ahead of vital run of Man United fixtures
- Marcus Rashford calls for government to axe universal credit cut
- Marcus Rashford’s use of social media to be studied by GCSE media students
