England and Manchester United soccer star Marcus Rashford has sent a PS5 to a nine-year-old child as thanks for their work supporting charities which tackle food poverty.
Jacob, from St Helens in Merseyside, has been running to raise money for the UK-based Fare Share charity. Fare Share combats hunger and food waste in the UK, aiming to support vulnerable people and supply food to those in need.
Rashford has made an impressive name for himself in previous campaigns to combat child poverty. Working with Fare Share, the football star helped raise millions towards the cause, and even created enough pressure on the UK government to convince them to overturn their controversial plan not to back free school meals for children during the summer holidays.
© John Worthington
According to a report by the BBC, Jacob was inspired by Rashford’s efforts and began running to raise money for the charity. Rashford noticed the effort and contacted Jacob’s father directly to find out where to send the gift, along with a letter thanking Jacob for his work.
“We are not kind to be noticed,” Rashford writes in the letter to Jacob. “We are kind because it’s the right thing to do. It feels good to help others.
“I’ve been so proud reading stories on my Twitter about the work you have been doing, and how it has helped people in the last year.
“To show my appreciation, I wanted to make sure that I acknowledged these kind gestures with a gift.
“Not all gestures are going to be rewarded but know that you are appreciated, and every time you look at this gift, remember how good it feels to look out for others.
The PS5 arrived with a copy of Pro Evolution Soccer 2021, which features Rashford on the cover next to other stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Jacob’s family told the BBC that they were “so shocked” to find the delivery arrive at their door, with Jacob saying that he was “jumping around the room” and “so grateful.”
“Rashford is my favorite player and I really hope to see him playing more for England,” Jacob said.
If you'd like to donate to Fare Share, you can visit the donation page here.
“Keep shining, and keep smiling,” the letter from Rashford concludes.
