Marcus Rashford wins This Is Manchester 2020 Supernova award

Great British Life: Jenny Powell, presenter, pictured at the 2019 This is Manchester Awards Photo: Bach NguyenJenny Powell, presenter, pictured at the 2019 This is Manchester Awards Photo: Bach Nguyen (Image: BACH NGUYEN)

This Is Manchester 2020 recognises those people, heroes, places, organisations, and communities that have shown resilience and true Mancunian grit and determination.

This year, four awards have been presented including the Supernova award, to Marcus Rashford MBE for his heroic efforts to shine a light on child food poverty.

Marcus said; “I’m honoured to receive this award and would like to thank those who have nominated me for it.

“This award demonstrates the power of working together to fight a common cause. So much more needs to be done though in the fight against child hunger and this award will help motivate me and those involved to continue our efforts.”

TV Personality and TIMA presenter, Jenny Powell said; “Marcus, for all the parents like me who are relieved there are role models like you, thank you.”

Nominations for the 2020 This is Manchester Awards began in August and were open to all business, organisations and individuals across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Entries were welcome from anyone wishing to nominate themselves, someone else, business or Individual /person(s) that have shown resilience and courage. Organisers were overwhelmed by the number of entries received.

This is Manchester Awards organiser Ziara Siddique said; “In a year where action and compromise has never been more important, we needed to adapt. Because, this year more than ever it felt right to recognise the resilience and brilliance of our organisations, communities, charities and volunteers who have all risen to challenges.

“We might not be able to stage a big event but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t uphold the spirit of the awards – we’re Manchester after all and we do things differently here. Our City, United!

“Congratulations to Marcus and all our worthy winners. We were overwhelmed by the support and the entries. Thank you Manchester.”

The 2020 winners;

Organisation Making A Difference In The Community – Didsbury Gin

One of the first businesses to react, swiftly switching production at its distillery in the heart of Manchester to manufacture hand sanitisers. A staggering two million bottles of sanitiser were produced in the space of just seven days to supply key public service providers across Greater Manchester, including Great Manchester police, adult social care, GP surgeries and other front-line workers.

Individual Making A Difference In The Community – Dan McDwyer – Bee Vocal Choir

Recognising the full and true impact of music on people, Dan embarked on a project with senior members of Manchester Contemporary Youth Choir to create a virtual cover of ‘Lean On Me’ to say thank you to all NHS and Key Workers.

As the reality of the impact on loss of lives to Covid was becoming more evident, as the death toll during lockdown rose to levels that shocked the whole of the Manchester Community, Dan once again sought to use the emotional connection felt through song. Bringing together musicians and members of numerous choirs from within the COMMUNITY of MANCHESTER to perform ‘Fix You’ in a virtual cover of the Coldplay hit.

Hospitality Demonstrating Generosity & Resilience - GG Hospitality & The Stock Hotel & Hotel

NHS Support Beds – during lockdown GG Hospitality threw open its doors and provided beds for key NHS workers so that they could protect their families at home and get a decent night’s sleep

For the past two years, the This is Manchester Awards have more than cemented their mark on the city with the 2018 and 2019 events attended by celebrities, sports stars and heads of business. The Supernova award, first presented to John Roberts, founder of AO.com, was passed in 2019 to serial entrepreneur Fred Done, CEO of Betfred, recognised for his charity work, specifically that which aims to support the young people of Greater Manchester.

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