Rash gong won’t halt kids’ fight
award to drive his work in setting up a child food poverty task force, said: “The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over.
“I would be doing my community an injustice if I did not use this opportunity to respectfully urge the Prime Minister to support our children during the October half-term with an extension of the voucher scheme, as the furlough scheme comes to an end and we face increased unemployment.
“It’s another sticking plaster, but one that will give parents of millions of children in the UK just one less thing to worry about.
“Let’s stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry.”
Rashford became a national hero after he lobbied the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy during lockdown, ensuring children in need would receive meals over the summer.
He has spoken of his own childhood when n his mum Melanie went hungry so she could feed her children, and paid tribute to her after the Prime Minister recommended him for the MBE.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled. As a young black man never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind d an MBE at the age of 22. This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum, who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.”
Rashford headed up the list of sporting gongs along with Brendan Foster, 72, who has been awarded a knighthood for services to international and national sport and culture in north-east England.
Former Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland (above top) has been awarded a CBE, while captain Alun Wyn Jones (above centre) is made an OBE for services to the game.
Gareth Thomas (above), who won 100 Wales caps, has been awarded a CBE for services to sport and health.