Messiah, Marcus and Mother.
Marcus hands his MBE to Mother Melaine (because his success was inspired by her mother’s faith) Marcus Rashford is more than a footballing genius. (He transitioned from Inner-city poverty to posh and powerful position of global influence – He gives his formula for success).
By Professor Chris Imafidon – In the UK’s inner-cities, hope and aspirations are in very short supply. Many adults tell youths to dream small, or not dream at all. But Rashford’s mother told him anything was possible, echoing the proven conviction of www.ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk that “every child is a genius”.
According to Marcus “When you’re a kid, a lot of the time you’re being told you can’t do something, and I always used to ask myself: why not? What makes me any different from people who have done it? In my area, there were so many unbelievably talented street footballers but we were always told, ‘Yeah, you’re good but you can’t make it in the Premier League or you can’t play for Manchester United, you can’t play for your country, it’s just not reachable. The size of the club means that if they want a talented footballer, they can just buy one, so in my area it doesn’t really happen for kids like me”
REAL QUESTION OF SOCIAL MOBILITY
Here are some questions which people that are unfamiliar with inner city mentorship keep asking about Marcus… How did the last of five siblings raised in deprived inner city by a single mother become a global icon at a tender age?
How did a black boy brought up in extreme poverty become a guest of royals and win prestigious awards?
How did a black boy from Manchester, raised in inner-city with no opportunity climb the dizzying heights of influence and power? He has forced parliament and leading politicians to change their minds, laws and policies. Rashford dominates politics without being a politician. After becoming the youngest ever doctorate degree holder from Manchester University. His secret weapon is mother, Melaine. Who in November became Mother of British Excellence, (MBE).
ASPIRATIONS VS EXPECTATIONS
Athletes who are graduates of ivy-league can only dream of great success at a young age. So the biggest question is how did a black kid of a single parent, raised in poverty make his way through the very hostile political landscape and change the national policies of powerful governments? The humble and unassuming footballer, Marcus is quick to point his finger to his devout mother Melaine who draws her inspiration from her faith amongst others. This reminds one of the #GeniusFormula. God’s guidance and formula, which is widely publicised on early start with the Genius Formula, or Child prodigy.
According to HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, president of the Football Association, “……. footballer Marcus Rashford collected an MBE for services to disadvantaged (vulnerable) children. Rashford famously fundraised and campaigned for the provision of free school meals in England during holidays and lockdowns, driven by his own painful inner-city experiences.”
The Button lane (south Manchester) boy is categorical about his mother’s role in his success. Rushford says..
“To my mum, for helping me believe that dreams can come true.” Rashford’s mother, Mel, is at the heart of the book and his life. Marcus, the youngest of five siblings, and, by the time he came on the scene, Melanie was a single mother. She worked every hour she could, holding down three jobs: (Mother of British Excellence….. Melanie is indeed the mother of British Excellence.)
If you asked him the same question in a different way, you get the same answer, “My values come from my household; the rules and the respect we had for each other. For my whole upbringing, she was the leader in that. Seeing someone living through difficult situations every single day, but waking up the next morning and giving it her best go again – nothing can really top that.”
FORTUNE… small fortune
Rashford joined the Manchester United academy at seven – young even for football. At 11, he went to live in digs provided by the club, when Mel reluctantly concluded that the club could meet his needs better than she could. He says it was only after he left home, and won sponsorship from Nike, that he began to understand how much the family struggled. “I didn’t need the money, so I just used to give it to Mum. I got a lump sum from Nike once a year and she would buy me something out of the money, and I’d be more than happy with that. ‘All the awards I’ve achieved for my charitable work have all gone to her and this one will join them as well,’ he said. Without her I wouldn’t have the morals that I have because everything I’ve learnt, I’ve learnt from her.
NORMAL FOOTBALLER?
Rashford would not consider himself political, but he is in the vanguard of a generation of outspoken footballers. Until recently top British footballers were wage slaves – albeit fantastically well-paid ones. They took their money, and rarely raised a voice against management or club owners, let alone government or poverty.
FAITH vs fortune
Marcus and his four other siblings were raised as Christians by their devout mother, Melanine. According to Marcus, “For me and my family, that’s definitely the case. If you could see our lives 15-20 years ago to where we are now, it’s impossible not to have faith in God and all he does for us,” he said.
HOW MARCUS BECAME A NATIONAL TREASURE AND GLOBAL ICON
(AS HIS MOTHER’s FAITH INFORMED HIS FIGHT FOR DISADVANTAGED)
SEPTEMBER 2019
- SORTED MATCH TICKETS FOR A US FAN WHO HAD BEATEN CANCER
Manchester United supporter Matt Waymont tweeted a request for help to get match tickets for his friend in America, John Berk, who had never been to England or seen a game live before. Rashford casually replied: ‘Hey man, drop me a DM. I’ll sort this for you.’
Mr Berk, who had beaten stage-three cancer, was later pictured fully kitted out, smiling next to the footballer.
DECEMBER 2019
GIFTED CHIRSTMAS BOXES TO THE HOMELESS
Rashford launched his ‘In the Box’ campaign, inspiring people to donate 1,200 boxes of essential items to homeless shelters in Manchester.
MARCH 2020
RAISED MILLIONS TO HELP FEED SCHOOLCHILDREN IN MANCHESTER
The Government announced the closure of all schools in the UK, as part of its pandemic response, on March 19.
Just one day later, Rashford announced he was partnering with the charity Fareshare so kids who would ordinarily get free school meals would still be able to eat.
The footballer raised a remarkable £20 million for this cause by the end of this month.
He was awarded the High Sheriff Special Recognition Award for his ‘outstanding contribution to the community of Greater Manchester during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis’ on May 27.
JUNE 2020
CONVINCED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVERSE ITS DECISION ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Rashford, who relied on free school meals himself, wrote an open letter to MPs about the ‘big difference’ it would have made to his family if he had been fed during the summer holidays. The Government initially rejected this plea, arguing public funds would better support hungry children elsewhere, but Boris Johnson made a complete U-turn on June 16.
After having a phone call with Rashford the Prime Minister launched a scheme which helped to feed about 1.3 million children in England.
JULY 2020
HONORARY DEGREE
Rashford became the youngest ever recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his community work.
OCTOBER 2020
FREE SCHOOL MEALS IN WINTER AND AUTUMN
Following the end of the Government’s summer feeding scheme, Rashford petitioned the cabinet to continue providing meals throughout autumn and winter.
It took longer for Mr Johnson to make a U-turn this time and while Rashford waited, he inspired countless hospitality venues and local councils to offer the meals themselves.
During this time, Rashford was awarded a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). But most people believe that Marcus regards it as “Mother of British Excellence”
He said: ‘As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22.’
NOVEMBER 2020
CONVINCED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A U-TURN FOR A SECOND TIME
After Rashford’s campaign to keep feeding children throughout the winter months, the Government reversed its decision again and announced a £400 million grant for another scheme. Almost 1.7 million kids benefitted from this grant while the country was struggling through the pandemic.
NOVEMBER 2020
RECEIVED THE PRIDE OF BRITAIN AWARD
Rashford was given the Pride of Britain award on November 1, becoming someone who is nationally celebrated as one of Britain’s ‘truly remarkable people who make our world a better place’.
The young man joined the likes of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who raised more than £30 million for the NHS during the pandemic.
Always modest, Rashford said at the time: ‘I am extremely humbled but I’d like to think that I am receiving this award on behalf of all of the incredible people who have selflessly stepped up to support their communities during this pandemic. ‘I have met many of them and I am no more deserving than them.’
APRIL 2021
STARTED A BOOK CLUB FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
Rashford has recently teamed up with publisher Macmillan Children’s and food charity Magic Breakfast to donate books to 850 primary schools across England and Scotland.
The hope is to nurture reading for pleasure in kids who do not usually have books at home.
JULY 2021
SENT A SIGNED FOOTBALL SHIRT TO 10-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH BRAIN TUMOUR
Just a few days before playing in the final, Rashford was still making time to be kind.
Charlie Cox, a kid in Sutton whose brain tumour has recurred five times, asked for a birthday message from Rashford.
But his football hero promised to ‘do one better’ and sent him a signed England shirt and a PlayStation 5.
Rashford then gushed over the ‘gobsmacked’ boy and tweeted a photo of him with his gifts, captioning it ‘superstar’
SEPTEMBER 2021
STARTS NEW FIGHT TO END ‘CHILD HUNGER PANDEMIC’
After schools returned in September, Rashford re-launched his fight to expand eligibility for free school meals. He said the government should look to prioritise children’s welfare by coming up with a ‘sustainable long-term road map’ to help end child hunger in this country.
He wants members of the public to write to their MPs and push the government to adopt three key recommendations to guarantee that every child at risk of going hungry gets food each day.
OCTOBER 20201
RASHFORD ATTACKS UNIVERSAL CREDIT CUT AFTER RECEIVING HONORARY DEGREE
In October, Rashford became the youngest person to receive an honorary degree from the University of Manchester.
He used his speech at Old Trafford to highlight how the Government’s removal of the £20 Universal uplift meant ‘millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline’
OCTOBER 2021
RASHFORD CALLS TO EXTEND FREE SCHOOL MEALS AGAIN
In a letter in the Sunday Times, Rashford joined with supermarket bosses and food industry leaders to demand ministers extend the free school meal programme into holidays for the next three years.
They said doing so during the earlier stages of the pandemic, after campaigning from Rashford forced a Government U-turn, had been ‘a great success, bringing nutritional and educational benefits to children.
NOVEMBER 2021
RECIEVES MBE OFF PRINCE WILLIAM
Marcus Rashford took his mum to pick up an MBE he was given by the Duke of Cambridge.
The footballer is being recognised for his drive to ensure no child in need went hungry, which resulted in the Government changing policy over its free school meals vouchers during lockdown.
DECEMBER 2021
Rashford will also be honoured with a special award at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on December 20, after the judging panel unanimously agreed his work off the pitch should be commended.
Professor Chris Imafidon, is chair, ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk, an alliance of inner-city educational charities and institutions that mentors youths, women and professionals in the commonwealth. He is a multi-Guinness World record holder; internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Mentor to multi-millionaire tech entrepreneurs & many world record holders. His research and innovation have been recognised internationally, winning multiple awards. Professor Imafidon is 5X International Bestselling author; Mentor to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author, a Wall Street Journal BestSelling author and a regular contributor to #AfricanVoice;. [Twitter @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon; Facebook/Linkedln/ClubHouse –Professor Chris Imafidon]
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