Marcus Rashford to receive MBE from Prince William today for campaign to end child food poverty

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford will be awarded an MBE by the Duke of Cambridge today for his campaign to support vulnerable children throughout the pandemic.

Rashford received nation-wide praise last year when he began campaigning to end child poverty and hunger, with his work for the provision of free school meals and support to low -income families in the UK during holidays prompting major changes in government policy.

The footballer also fought hard against the government’s plan to cut the £20 universal credit uplift, urging them to instead tackle the ongoing ‘child hunger pandemic’.

He said, as per The Guardian: “Instead of removing vital support, we should be focusing on developing a long-term roadmap out of this child hunger pandemic.

“On October 6th, millions lose a lifeline. It’s a move that Child Poverty Action Group says will raise child poverty to one in three.”

Rashford then urged the government to provide long-term funding for food and activities during school holidays and expand the Healthy Start voucher scheme to households earning £20,000 or less after benefits.

Earlier this year, it was also revealed that the footballer was the UK’s most generous charitable donor, with him giving away a massive 125% of his net worth to charity.

And later today, the twenty-four-year-old will officially be recognised for his charitable efforts in a ceremony with Prince William, where he will be awarded an MBE. 

The Duke is hosting his first investiture since the pandemic began and will also make actress Dame Sheila Hancock a dame commander for services to drama and charity.

Marcus Rashford will be awarded an MBE in a ceremony later on today.