Rashford honoured for fundraising work

Over the last few weeks, Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been playing an important role in helping millions of children at risk of going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic.

Together with charitable food distributor network Fareshare, the 22-year-old has helped to raise £20million in donations which has been used to provide meals to 2.8m children who are going without because of the closure of schools.

And this fundraising effort has led to Rashford receiving a special recognition award by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for his "outstanding activity and contribution to the community".

"This certificate is not just for me, it belongs to you all," Rashford posted on his Twitter account. "Each and every one of you that has contributed the few £s you can, you've all made a huge difference.

"To be recognised by my city is a great feeling. From being young I knew that if I ever got in a position that I could help I would and I'm so proud of what we've achieved so far. Thank you all, you're all superstars.

"And we won't stop until children and their parents no longer have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

Donate. Support. Unite

Meanwhile, Man Utd have launched a fundraising campaign to expand its long-term response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Captain Harry Maguire will start the first of five money-can't-buy prizes to be raffled each day next week, while a charity t-shirt will go on pre-sale this week to raise money for the Man Utd Foundation.

These two initiatives are part of a new "Donate. Support. Unite" campaign to raise funds to enable the Foundation to expand its pandemic response across the UK and internationally.

The funds will also allow the Foundation to continue to meet elevated levels of need in local communities across Greater Manchester.

See: Coronavirus: How our clubs show support in community