Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford now enjoys a luxurious life, residing in a large mansion in one of the city’s most prestigious areas. However, his current affluence is a stark contrast to his challenging upbringing. Despite his hardworking mother’s best efforts, there were times when they struggled to afford food.

Since securing spots on both the United and England teams, Rashford has dedicated himself to providing three million meals to children who would otherwise receive them at school, in collaboration with Fare Share.

His efforts, which included a heartfelt open letter to all MPs, led to a significant policy shift, with the Government allocating an additional £120 million to a one-off “Covid summer food fund.” Nevertheless, a new proposal to offer free meals to 1.4 million children during school holidays until Easter next year was rejected in the Commons, with 322 MPs voting against it.

Their decision has caused widespread outrage across the nation, with Rashford stating that children would go to bed “not just hungry but feeling like they don’t matter.”

He urged MPs to set aside their political differences, emphasizing: “This isn’t about politics, it’s about humanity.”

Despite this setback, Rashford remains committed and is now advocating for businesses that have stepped up to fill the gap left by the Government’s inaction, providing free meals to children.

Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, where the proportion of students receiving free school meals is double the national average.

His mother, Mel, was a single parent raising five children, and despite working full-time, there was often not enough money to make ends meet.

When asked in an interview about whether he remembers being hungry as a child, Rashford responded, “Yes, of course.”

However, he mentioned that he was never angry about his situation because he understood that his mother was doing everything she could.

He added, “I also recognized that it was just part of growing up. I knew how hard my mom was working.

“I never complained or made a fuss.

“If there was food on the table, that was great. If not, I had friends who understood my situation, and I might go to their house to get something to eat.”