A seven-year-old boy has told how he was inspired by Marcus Rashford to send hand-written notes to his neighbours asking them to donate food for hungry kids.
Stanley Heaton, from Droylsden, who last year starred in a Cadbury’s advert where he was seen sharing food with his classmate, collected food for those in need after seeing footballer Marcus, 23, campaigning for free school meals.
In the 2019 advert, the cheeky schoolboy was seen stealing biscuits from his kitchen cupboard before school and hiding them from his mother, before sharing them with another little boy at his school.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, he explained that he was inspired after seeing Marcus on the television and that he ‘jumped for joy’ after the football star tweeted him, calling him his ‘hero’.
Stanley Heaton, Droylsden, (pictured) collected food for those in need after seeing footballer Marcus, 23, campaigning for free school meals
In a 2019 Cadbury’s advert, the cheeky schoolboy is seen stealing biscuits from his kitchen cupboard before school and hiding them from his mother, before sharing them with another little boy at his school
‘I collected food for people that couldn’t afford it from the food banks,’ said Stanley’. Because I saw Marcus Rashford on telly saying he wanted school dinners to be free and he wasn’t successful.
‘So I said to my mum “Why don’t we write a letter to the neighbours to do a collection for people who can’t afford food?”.’
Stanley originally sent out letters with mum Steph, 31, to his immediate neighbours before widening his search to his entire estate in Droylsden, Greater Manchester.
The food will be sent to Droylsden food bank while presents will be also be donated to a local Christmas appeal.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today with his mother Steph, 31, Stanley told how he was inspired by the footballer
They explained to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid (both pictured) food will be sent to Droylsden foodbank while presents will be also be donated to a local Christmas appeal
Footballer Marcus, successfully lobbied ministers to continue free school meals throughout the summer holidays earlier this year – and last month campaigned for free school meals over all school holidays.
However a Labour motion to extend the scheme providing free school meals for children during half term was rejected by MPs by 322 votes to 261 – a majority of 61.
It was the latest setback in the Manchester United star’s plea for the Government to fund meals for the most needy children during Covid-19 lockdowns.
The United striker has also been honoured with an MBE for his efforts in lobbying the government, and has teamed up with charity FareShare to help provide free meals.
After hearing of the letter, Marcus(pictured last month) himself took the time to send the boy a message on Twitter, ‘Stanley, you are my hero’
Stanley, who plays for Fletcher Moss Rangers FC where Rashford’s career began, said he ‘jumped for joy’ after hearing of the kind message.
After hearing of the letter, Marcus himself took the time to send the boy a message on Twitter, ‘Stanley, you are my hero’ while his mother hailed him ‘amazing’ on the show.
Stanley, who plays for Fletcher Moss Rangers FC where Rashford’s career began, said he ‘jumped for joy’ after hearing of the kind message.
‘When he tweeted me’, said Stanley, ‘I didn’t know what to do, I was running up and down the room, I was jumping for joy.
Viewers quickly took to Twitter to praise the both Marcus and the young footballer calling Stanley a ‘superstar’ – while others praised Stephanie’s ‘good parenting’
Viewers quickly took to Twitter to praise the both Marcus and the young footballer calling Stanley a ‘superstar’ – while others praised Stephanie’s ‘good parenting’.
‘Great parenting’, wrote one, ‘Good on ya fella.
Another added: ‘Love Stanly what a little superstar.’
A third commented: ‘Ahh such a lovely young man. Stanley, keep up the good work.’