Son of murdered soldier Lee Rigby raises tens of thousands for charity
Jack Rigby wants to help other bereaved military children on the anniversary of his father's murder
Last updated 22nd May 2023
Ten years on from the brutal killing of soldier Lee Rigby in south east London, his son says he wants to honour his father by raising money for bereaved military children.
Jack Rigby and his mum Rebecca have filmed a short video to thank everyone who has supported Jack’s fundraiser for Scotty’s Little Soldiers to mark the 10th anniversary of Lee's death.
Twelve-year-old Jack is the son of Royal Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was murdered on the way to his barracks in Woolwich in south east London on 22nd May 2013. Jack was just two years old at the time.
"Just to know that we are helping hundreds of other bereaved children just like me in my dad’s name."
Since his dad’s death, Jack has been supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children and young people, and to mark the 10th anniversary of Lee Rigby’s death, Jack is taking on Scotty’s May Marathon to honour his dad’s memory and to raise money for bereaved British Forces children, just like him.
Jack originally set himself a target to raise £10,000, but after overwhelming support from the British public, Jack has now raised over £40,000.
In the video, Rebecca says: This is just a quick video to thank everybody who has shared or donated to Jack’s fundraiser. The amount that’s been raised so far is absolutely phenomenal and I am immensely proud of Jack for everything that he is doing to raise funds and awareness for Scotty’s, and to do something positive in Lee’s name. May’s not an easy time for us and doing this is really helping Jack to get through this difficult period, so thank you.”
Jack says: “Thanks. It means more than any of you would know. Just to know that we are helping hundreds of other bereaved children just like me in my dad’s name. Please, if you can, keep donating and sharing because it’s creating so much awareness as well. Thank you.”
Rebecca continues: “If you can, please donate and share the posts. If you can’t make a donation, please share the posts with your friends and let’s just raise as much awareness and funds as we can for such an amazing charity because Scotty’s really do help. They have supported Jack since 2013 and continue to do so. Let’s do what we can to show them how grateful we are and that Lee has not been forgotten, and that we can do something positive in his name. Thank you.”
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 Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Scotty’s currently has over 600 members and provides them with access to bereavement support, outstanding development opportunities and the chance to smile again.
Services offered include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.