Lee Rigby's son honouring his dad 10 years after the soldier's murder
The son of murdered British Army soldier Fusilier Lee Rigby is halfway through a fundraising challenge to raise thousands of pounds for a military charity close to his heart to mark the 10th anniversary of his dad's death.
Fusilier Lee Rigby of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was attacked and killed by Islamist terrorists on 22 May 2013 while walking to Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London.
His son, Jack Rigby, who was just two at the time, has been supported by military charity Scotty's Little Soldiers ever since and wants to raise money for them to turn his pain into something positive, saying: "I feel proud doing the May Marathon in honour of my dad.
"It also helps distract me from everything... and reminds me it's not all bad.
"Scotty's have done so much for me and just having their support and knowing other people are going through the same kind of stuff makes a big difference."
Scotty's Little Soldiers is a tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of British Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people to remind them they are not alone in their grief.
Jack, now 12, has surpassed his target of raising £10,000 - £1,000 for every year his dad has been gone - by taking on Scotty's May Marathon which helps raise money to support bereaved British Forces children, just like him.
Scotty's Little Soldiers May Marathon is an annual event in which participants complete 26.2 miles throughout the month of May.
For Jack, taking on the Scotty's challenge is a chance to raise money for a cause close to his heart – something his mum Rebecca is incredibly proud of, saying: "I'm so proud of Jack in everything that he does, and I think that Lee would be as well.
"With it coming up to the anniversary, Jack wanted to do something positive in memory of his dad.
"Jack wants to show how, even though he's grown up without Lee, he's not forgotten his dad and he will always be part of his life.
"People sometimes think that, because Jack was only two when his dad was killed, that it doesn't affect him very much, but that's not how it works.
"Just because Jack was young, it doesn't mean he's forgotten Lee.
"Lee has always been such an important part of our lives and always will be.
"[Jack] didn't even think he'd make £250 but when the number kept rising and people he didn't know kept sponsoring him, he started to think about going for even more."
Of Jack's passion for fundraising to raise money for the military charity Nikki Scott, Scotty's Little Soldiers founder, said: "We are honoured that Jack is raising funds for Scotty's to mark the anniversary of his dad's death and we wish him lots of luck with taking part in the May Marathon.
"Jack is an incredible young man.
"He's been through so much and we are just glad that Scotty's has been able to support him.
"Throughout a child’s life, there can be many trigger points where they will need a little extra support with their bereavement so we will continue to be here for him to ensure he knows he's not alone."
Anyone who wants to donate can visit Jack's fundraising page here.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
