Marcus Rashford's moving message to Cheshire librarian inspiring students to read

The Manchester United forward sent a signed shirt to Denise McHugh

Marcus Rashford had a heartfelt message for an Ellesmere Port high school librarian as he paid tribute to the passion she has for supporting her students.

The Manchester United forward sent a signed shirt to Ellesmere Port Catholic High School 'reading champion' Denise McHugh, who is a huge fan of the England international.

Rashford wrote on the shirt: "To Denise, every day you are someone's reason to go to school".

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The school wanted to thank Denise, who has managed the library for several years, for all her hard work inspiring children to pick up a book.

Knowing she is a big fan of Rashford - who has also promoted reading - they made contact through his representatives to see if he could help surprise her - and he duly obliged.

Denise was "elated" to be presented with the signed shirt, from the player she calls "an inspiration".

She may be from a family of avid Liverpool fans, but Denise says it doesn't matter what team you support, it's the message Rashford sends out as a child food poverty campaigner and keen advocate of literacy that matters.

Speaking to CheshireLive after receiving her shirt, Denise said: "I can't express how elated I am. It's possibly the best thing that's ever happened to me as I admire him so much.

"My mum was an ardent Liverpool fan - she lived and breathed it. I was brought up in a Liverpudlian household but I've never been a huge football fan - unlike my mum.

"With regards to Marcus, it's the message he's sending out that's important. It doesn't matter what team you support, it's the message.

"What an inspiration he is. He really values education and a positive mentality.

"He will make people believe in themselves. That's a mantra we want to instil in our students.

"He's also very pro-women and having women as positive role models which is fitting today given it's International Women's Day."

Denise works with Year 7 and 8 pupils running regular lessons to encourage them to read, but more importantly find books that interest them.

She said: "For some kids it's their first ever library experience. Some take to it and some don't. The key thing is to tap into what they like in or outside of school.

"You need to get to know your students to direct them to the right book. There is a real buzz at the school with regards to reading. It's so important to be able to read - it's the crux of everything."

Denise, who has been promoting Rashford's books in school, added: "I'm a huge fan of Marcus. As a community we can empathise with him.

"He didn't own books as a child. His mum was more concerned with getting food on the table.

"He's realised the opportunities reading can give everyone and the sense of escapism it can bring to us all, so I thought I'm really going to promote his book.

"I've just done a lesson looking at Charles Dickens and Marcus - and the similarities. Both grew up in poverty, both went on to be social campaigners."