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
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Daisy Jackson -
18th May 2023 
