Marcus Rashford, a 26-year-old attacker for Manchester United, finds inspiration in his own early years and continues to fight against child hunger.

After the Tory government rejected his proposal to feed 1.4 million impoverished children during the holidays, Rashford and his mother, Melanie, showed their commitment to assisting needy families by working at a food bank.

Rashford, who grew up in Wythenshawe on free school lunches, has often discussed the struggles his mother faced while putting in 14-hour days to support him and his brothers. The haunting memory of hearing her cry in agony drives his relentless lobbying.

Rashford went to the new FareShare facility yesterday, which was dedicated after Melanie and will triple the organization’s capacity to distribute food. As he helped shift shopping cartons, he reflected on the vital role food banks play and stated, “When we stumble, there will always be a community to pick us up.” For many, that community is the food bank.

Rashford praised the generosity of food bank volunteers, many of whom have gone above and beyond to assist others despite facing personal hardships like losing their jobs during the outbreak. “The real heroes of this country are those who help the most vulnerable in the middle of cities, towns, and villages,” he remarked.

FareShare volunteer Karina Tiplady described Rashford as “so humble” when she met him at the Greater Manchester warehouse and said it was heartening to see how hard he fought to prevent others from going through what he and his family had to.

Rashford’s initiatives have prompted businesses and individuals around the United Kingdom to offer free meals and support to those in need. He continues to be a beacon of hope, vowing to keep fighting for children’s rights and proving that empathy and cooperation can result in meaningful change.