Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary degree from the University of Manchester in recognition of his achievements in the fight against child poverty.
Rashford, 22, raised £20Million in partnership with FareShare to help provide free meals to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The England international campaigned for the UK government to extend the scheme for free school meals for the underprivileged children into the summer months.
The University of Manchester will now make Rashford the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate.
United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Bobby Charlton have previously received an honorary doctorate, the highest honour the university can bestow.
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 University of Manchester’s president and vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, 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.
“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.”
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