​Marcus Rashford To Receive Honorary Doctorate From Manchester University

Footballer Marcus Rashford is to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, making him the youngest ever recipient.

The Manchester United and England forward is being honoured for his 'remarkable campaign against child poverty off the field and outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch'.

At just 22, this makes him the youngest person ever to receive an honorary degree from the university.

Rashford, who will receive the doctorate later this summer, 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.

Instagram/Marcus Rashford

"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."

Earlier this year, Rashford managed to get the government to extend its free school meal voucher scheme for an £120 million Summer Food Fund.

He had penned an emotional open letter to 650 MPs, drawing on his own experiences as a youngster to stress the importance of free school meals, food banks and soup kitchens.

The footballing star is also an active supporter of a charity called FareShare, which is the UK's longest running food redistribution organisation.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Manchester University's President and Vice-Chancellor, said: "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.

PA

"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."

A spokesperson from Manchester United added: "Marcus is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. His work with FareShare and his focus on child poverty make him richly deserving of this tremendous honour and everyone at Manchester United is incredibly proud of him."

Topics: News, Football, Marcus Rashford

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman