December 21 – England international forward Marcus Rashford, who famously forced the British government into a u-turn with his calls for free school meals to children from low-income families, has collected a special individual honour as a result of his work to raise awareness.
The Manchester United striker scooped the so-called Special Award at the UK’s traditional televised Sports Personality of the Year annual gala.
The main prize is based around sporting achievement but the judging panel unanimously agreed Rashford deserved to be commended this year.
The BBC’s director of sport Barbara Slater explained: “In a year that has been challenging for everyone, but particularly vulnerable families, he has gone above and beyond to transcend his sport and make a real difference.”
Rashford’s campaign resulted in about 1.3 million children in England being able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays, while a £400 million package to support poor children and their families was announced by the government in November following further pressure.
“Growing up as a kid I felt like I believe I started 50m behind everyone else in a 100m race,’ said Rashford. “Once I got to where I always wanted to get to I always had this thing that eats at me saying make sure you make a difference for the next generation.”
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