30 December 2020

Marcus

During this pandemic a new British hero has emerged. His name is Marcus Rashford. He is a very talented twenty three year old footballer who plays for both Manchester United and England.

Marcus is now a very wealthy young man but he was born into poverty in Wythenshawe - a tough Manchester suburb. His father disappeared when Marcus was young leaving his mother to struggle in low paid jobs to pay the bills and put food on the family table. There were times when he went hungry. Times when his mother didn't even have enough money to buy a loaf of bread.

Many young footballers wallow in their wealth - buying fancy cars and the kind of flash homes you will usually only see in lifestyle magazines. They seem to forget where they came from but you cannot say that of Marcus Rashford. He has not forgotten his tough start in life and the deprived, mostly white, community in which he grew up.

Quietly, calmly and with dignity and determination, Marcus has led a campaign to bring food to hungry children. His focus has mainly been on school holidays when subsidies are commonly put on ice until the new school term starts.

He has embarrassed our current Prime Minister and his mean-spirited right wing government into restorative action. Marcus appreciates that people in power have never known what it means to go hungry. "They don't understand because they haven't been through it," he said.

He has already been given a national honour for his efforts to help children from poor homes -  an M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire). I applaud him and admire his stance. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with civility and kindness. It will be interesting to witness his next steps and how his campaigning continues. But for now - what an absolute hero!

33 comments:

  1. A god news story. I hope other young people follow his example.

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    1. He will have made a lot of them think.

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  2. I take my hat off to him but I am disgusted that it is necessary for him to get involved.
    "Leaders" all over the world are more interested in their next election, book release or press conference than in helping the people they govern

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    1. They are good at excuses and twisting and turning so that the original questions become tangled. All Marcus wanted was food on the table. He has also actively supported several food banks. His mother is so proud of him and that matters a great deal to him.

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  3. He sounds like a good man. It's nice to hear about such people, people who give back when they have the opportunity, instead of just pissing the money away.

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    1. In The World of Celebrity, they are as rare as hen's teeth.

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  4. I love stories like this and feel the world would be better off if we heard more of them. Google South African soccer stars donating their wealth, if you ever seriously find yourself losing faith in the human race.

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  5. Anonymous7:52 am

    I read about him a couple of weeks ago and he is such an impressive young man. I am laughing at the thought of Boris ever being hungry. Rather than Civil Servant pen pushers ala Sir Humphrey, he is a very worthy recipient of an MBE.

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    1. Johnson was probably slightly hungry when waiting in line for school dinners at Eton College..."I say Cameron, that's a big battered sausage!"

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  6. From previous discussions, you know my take on celebrities. But I admire anyone who uses what they can for the benefit of others, to improve the lot of those who have little chance to fight for themselves. Marcus seems to know what matters in life, and acts on it without fuss and seeking the limelight.

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    Replies
    1. He doesn't need that limelight because he has got plenty of it as a highly paid footballer.

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  7. Another United hero and there are no limits to what he can and will achieve both on and off the pitch. Well do Marcus!

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  8. There is hope for the future when we see that compassion and selflessness still
    exist in our society.

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    1. I love the fact that he was not overwhelmed when talking to the prime minister on the phone. He just took it in his stride.

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  9. Who wears read and gives things to children at Christmas?

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  10. He is a role model very much to be admired.

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  11. I've been following his story for some time. A true leader. The world needs a reminder about what true leadership looks like...and about what really matters.

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    1. I am happy to hear that you already knew about him Mary.

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  12. That is a beautiful story of a beautiful man with a beautiful soul.

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  13. Good for him! What a great example for kids to look up to, as well.

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  14. A lovely youngster, we must have faith in our young people.

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    Replies
    1. He is a good 'un. Let's hope that as times passes nothing happens to blemish his reputation.

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    2. There are bound to be those who are digging into this fine young man's background, looking for something to bring him into disrepute. Why do a certain faction of the population try to "dish the dirt" on people who try to do good?
      Happy New Year to you and yours YP.

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