Marcus Rashford presented with honorary doctorate from University of Manchester
He said in his acceptance speech how "bittersweet" it felt to receive an honorary degree for fighting child poverty the day after the Universal Credit uplift was retracted.
And yesterday, he was finally presented with the degree at an Old Trafford ceremony.
Former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson – who also boasts an honorary degree from the university – joined the 23-year-old footballer’s friends and family to witness him collecting the award at Manchester United’s home ground.
Dressed in a red, maroon, and gold graduation gown with a doctorate cap for the ceremony, Rashford was presented his degree by vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.
It’s not hard to see why the Manchester United and England star made history when he was bestowed with the accolade, as he was rightly-recognised by the city’s largest university for his ongoing battle against child food poverty – including forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the UK government to make a U-turn on free school meals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rashford’s honorary doctorate adds to the numerous other awards and accolades he’s collected over the past 18 months to recognise his extraordinary acts of selflessness off the pitch.
Continuing his philanthropic efforts, Rashford used his acceptance to reveal how “bittersweet” it felt to receive an honorary degree for fighting child poverty the day after the Universal Credit uplift was retracted, adding that millions of families across the UK have now “lost a lifeline”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rashford also called for politicians to get “out into communities” – including his hometown of Wythenshawe in south Manchester.
He said: “To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.
“I’m here to receive my honorary doctorate for my work around child poverty [but] yesterday, millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat [in] a move that could see child poverty rise to one in three children.
ADVERTISEMENT
“For that reason, today is bittersweet.
“It’s time that representatives got out into communities like mine [and] it’s time they saw first-hand the true measure of struggle [as] COVID-19 can no longer be used as an excuse.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell presented @MarcusRashford with the award and spoke at length about what an incredible role model he is. pic.twitter.com/we1sGsKWNU
— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) October 7, 2021
Dame Nancy described the footballer as “an exceptional young man”, whose “sense of community and generosity goes well beyond his years”, adding: “Our university also has social responsibility at its core, and we are extremely proud to share these values with Marcus [so] it really is an honour to finally present him with this well-deserved award on behalf of our institution.”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
8th October 2021 
