Lee Rigby's son's fundraiser smashes initial target, reaching more than £34,000
A fundraising campaign by the son of murdered British Army soldier Fusilier Lee Rigby, to mark 10 years since his death, has rocketed from £270 to more than £34,000.
The fast-rising figure is thanks to a swell of support on social media and donations from more than 1,600 well-wishers including broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Jack Rigby, 12, was initially unsure if his fundraising efforts for military charity Scotty's Little Soldiers would reach his first target of £250 but eventually, after seeing how many people were donating, he set himself the challenge to raise £10,000 – £1,000 for every year since his dad died – an amount he has since surpassed.
In response to the rapid increase in donations and generosity shown by the public, Jack said: "Thanks to everyone who has donated.
"I think my dad would be really pleased if he knew we were raising all this money in his memory."
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, southeast London.
His son, Jack, who was just two at the time, has been supported by military charity Scotty's Little Soldiers ever since and wanted to take part in the charity's fundraising event May Marathon 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.
More than 1,600 people have donated to Jack's fundraising page so far, including British broadcaster Piers Morgan who donated £1,000.
People have also been leaving heartwarming messages of support for Jack and sharing their belief that his dad would be proud of everything he has accomplished.
Chris Joy wrote: "Only just read about your efforts Jack, decided to donate immediately.
"You have both my sympathy and now, perhaps as equally important, my respect."
Simon Hilton wrote: "Well done Jack. You're a credit to your generation."
Cathy wrote: "You are an awesome lad, your dad would be so proud of you x."
Glen Lovick wrote: "Well done Jack, your Dad is forever in our hearts."
Ricky Chilcott wrote: "Keep strong, young man. You are making your country proud."
Adrian Rowley wrote: "I'm sorry you have to go through this... your dad was a brave man."
Suzanne Garvey-Heath wrote: "Thinking of Lee Rigby and the heartbreaking, innocent loss of life.
"Well done, Jack, we are all so proud of you xx."
Luke Geach wrote: "Well done Jack, your dad would be proud, wishing you all the best, Luke, Ex-Royal Navy."
Anyone who wants to donate can visit Jack's fundraising page here.
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