BT’s Hope United campaign keeps Marcus Rashford’s tribute messages alive in collaboration with Withington Walls by creating a newly commissioned virtual Wall of Hope.
The physical messages and tributes attached to the Rashford mural in Withington in the wake of the Euro 2020 final have been moved to protect them from the weather after recent rains, but the new virtual project means the messages of hope can live on for all to see.
The artwork contains a QR code that visitors can scan to access the Wall of Hope, while it remains instantly available online to anyone anywhere in the world at www.bt.com/wallofhope.
“We are very proud that the mural is here, we are very proud of everything that @MarcusRashford has done, and we are very proud of all the boys.”
Good to see so many showing their support in Withington today. Thanks to everyone who shared their comments and stories with us. ❤ pic.twitter.com/tcpsK2hkBX
– Nat. Fotbollsmuseum (@FootballMuseum) 14 July 2021
“At one of my lowest points, the support from this mural really lifted me and I am really grateful for that. It strengthened my belief in the strength of society and the endless images shared by visitors made me feel really overwhelmed, says Rashford.
“I wanted to capture that feeling and tap it for more people to experience and I am grateful to BT for doing so. These messages are not just mine. They all belong. And I hope they can bring joy to many in the coming months. ”
Ed Wellard, founder of Withington Walls, said: “The response to the vandalism in the Rashford mural has been incredible. It started with a little positivity, with the first hearts and messages of love and respect, inspired thousands more messages on the wall and online.
In addition to the virtual tributes, a new physical “Hope Beats Hate” mural has also been created on the walls of the Kingsway Football Club near the Rashford artwork. It’s the work of local street artists Oskar with K and Katie Jones.
The mural “Hope Beats Hate” was created at Kingsway FC near the Marcus Rashford Artwork / Decoy Media
“Love drowned out hatred and made us feel more hopeful. This project is rooted in the community and it has been fantastic to work with Hope United to have a positive impact here in the south of Manchester and continue to spread the love. ”
Hope United will also support Kingsway in renovating its clubhouse, which covers roof repairs, security, a new kitchen, decorating corridors and changing rooms, improvements that the whole community can benefit from.
BT’s Hope United is a campaign aimed at tackling online hate / Decoy Media
Kingsway will also be part of BT’s Connected Club system and ensure that they get the very best connection for free and deliver digital, coaching and social media with the club in the future.
BT’s Hope United campaign aims to tackle online hate, provide the nation with the digital skills it needs to tackle the problem and become good digital citizens, supported by a group of ambassadors from BT’s leading partnership with Home Nations including Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
