Marcus Rashford sends message of support to Big Issue vendors

Marcus Rashford has given Big Issue vendors a welcome back to their pitches as they return to sell the magazine for the first time in 2021.

The Manchester United and England hero has become one of Britain’s biggest stars during the  Covid-19 pandemic as he has championed the cause of the nation’s most vulnerable people.

Now Rashford, who graced the cover of The Big Issue magazine twice in 2020, has stood up for vendors working to earn a living by selling the magazine.

In an exclusive message of support, Rashford said: “Rain or shine, one of the most recognisable things to hear on our high street is ‘Big Issueeee’.

“We’ve seen you pop up now and again (I actually picked up my issue at Christmas), but we’ve missed your presence during this last year. We can’t wait to hear those words that have become so familiar to many. So good luck and enjoy it, you’re doing a great job.”

Rashford’s 10-month campaign to prevent child food poverty has inspired direct action in communities across the UK while he has forced the Westminster Government into two U-turns over paying for free school meals during the school holidays. 

While that campaign continues, Rashford is not the only big name who has shown support for vendors this week.

Elizabeth ‘LJ’ Littlejohn was welcomed back to his pitch by none other than superstar rapper Stormzy.

The moment the two were reunited was caught on camera with a photo of their fistbump featured in the press.

Stormzy Shopping in London

Stormzy greeted Big Issue vendor LJ as the seller returned to his pitch on April 12. Image credit: Rick Findler / Story Picture Agency

The 45-year-old vendor said the pair had struck up a friendship during his 18 months selling the magazine in London’s West End.

Littlejohn said: “It was cool to see him, he’s a nice guy. He thanked me yesterday because he said I was the reason that he didn’t get a parking ticket!”

Elsewhere, former Big Issue vendor and Googlebox star Sandra Martin has shown her support on Instagram.

Big Issue ambassadors have also backed vendors with both Daniel Mays and David Lammy calling on Brits to support their local seller after they spent months away from their pitches due to the Covid-19 lockdown.