The son of Lee Rigby, a British Army soldier who was brutally murdered 10 years ago, has spoken about his father’s death for the first time.
Jack, 12, has chosen to speak out as he fundraises for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports bereaved military children.
Lee Rigby‘s death in 2013 shocked the nation – he was run over and hacked to death by two extremists in broad daylight outside the 25-year-old’s barracks in south London.
Crumpsall-born Lee had been off duty when he was run over and attacked with knives and meat cleavers in front of horrified onlookers.
Despite being only two years old, Jack was so traumatised by his father’s murder that he lost the ability to speak for several months, The Mirror reports.
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He was registered with Scotty’s charity ten years ago and is such a proud member that he even named his dog Scotty in its honour – and now, Jack is hoping to give something back to the charity, which supports so many children in harrowing situations like his.
Lee Rigby / Credit: gov.uk
He has revealed plans to run a marathon distance over the course of the month of May, with a goal to raise £10,000 – a £1,000 for every year he’s grown up without his dad.
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Jack has already smashed his fundraising goal, by quite a distance. At the time of writing, he has raised £13,800 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
On his fundraising page, Jack wrote: “My dad Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered on May 22nd 2013 when I was only 2 and a half years old. This year marks the 10 year anniversary, it’s never easy but this year feels even harder for some reason.
“My mom registered me with Scotty’s in 2013 and I have been a proud member ever since. I have met other children that understand what it’s like to be in this position. I’ve had fun at the Scotty’s Christmas parties over the years and marched with Scotty’s through London on Remembrance Day which filled me with pride. I even named my dog Scotty after the charity.
“I now want to be able to give something back to Scotty’s and with your help donating we can help Scotty’s to continue supporting hundreds of bereaved military children just like me.”
You can make a donation to Jack Rigby’s fundraiser for Scotty’s Little Soldiers here.
Featured Image – Jack Rigby (via Scotty’ss Little Soldiers)
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
18th May 2023 
