Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed in partnership with FareShare, his charity scheme is supplying over two million meals a week to those in need across the UK, adding he will double his initial personal donation.
With around 32,000 schools closed across the nation due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 22-year-old - who was once himself reliant on free school meals when growing up - aimed to raise £100,000 and feed 400,000 children.
Rashford has astronomically surpassed his goals, however. After securing the backing from a number of major supermarkets, the fund has raised roughly £20million, with mammoth donations coming from Tesco, Asda, The Co-op and more.
The England international - who has scored 14 goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season to date - will also reserve Old Trafford seats for NHS staff members next season and is involved in the Premier League #PlayersTogether initiative.
On the staggering success of his fund, Rashford Tweeted: "Guys, six weeks ago I launched my partnership with FareShare and I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made together.
"Today we are supplying over two million meals a week to vulnerable people across the UK, meals they wouldn’t otherwise have.
"My mum worked all day every day when I was growing up to make sure I had at least one meal on the table every night. I needed breakfast club and free school meals otherwise I didn’t eat until 8/9pm.
"Not every child is fortunate enough to get that evening meal...
"So, to give this campaign another boost and for us to reach a lot more children than we currently are I’m doubling my personal donation to FareShare.
"I really am so grateful to every single one of you who has donated a couple of pounds here and there as those little bits do really make a big difference. I know it’s not an easy time for any of you and I’m blown away that you have pulled together on this.
"THANK YOU!!"
