LONDON (UK) – Captain Liam Cooper said Leeds United players have contributed 25,000 pounds ($33,000) to a campaign providing free school meals to children in Britain after he was inspired by Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford’s efforts.
On Thursday, Rashford urged local businesses to tweet using the hashtag #endchildfoodpoverty, which would allow the 22-year-old to locate them. Several have come forward to supply free school meals during half term in the United Kingdom.
Cooper tweeted on Saturday, adding the team would continue to contribute to the cause, “Let’s do this Leeds. No children should ever go hungry. £25k guaranteed from the @lufc squad. We stand with you @Marcus Rashford.”
Parliament on Wednesday dismissed a Labour Party motion for extending free school meals until Easter 2021 from the cut-off ahead of the half-term and winter holidays. It later lead the England international to launch his campaign on social media.
Rashford has garnered attention for his efforts, including from United’s rivals, with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard among those expressing their admiration.
Klopp said, “I’m not sure I can find any better words than much smarter people, but what Marcus has started is absolutely incredible, it’s so nice.”
“It’s nice to show in a time when a lot of people who are really in charge of something and don’t show any sign of proper leadership, that a boy grown up in difficult circumstances and… never forgot his roots.”
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil tweeted: “Congratulations on all your amazing work @MarcusRashford. What you’re doing is an incredible achievement… Keep up the great work.”