Family release footage of Manchester Fusilier Lee Rigby

Moving family footage about the life of Manchester Fusilier Lee Rigby has been released ahead for the third anniversary of his killing.

The private videos show the young soldier from Middleton drumming in his full military regalia in Windsor and dancing and joking around with his sister.

His mother Lyn Rigby promised she would keep his memory alive after he was butchered on the streets of Woolwich by Islamic extremists on May 22 2013.

Mr Rigby, who died at the age of 25, is also shown laughing and smiling at a family gathering and passing along the street in a parade.

His mother said: It's three years since my beautiful son Lee was killed on a London street. I'd like people to remember Lee as his family and friends do - as a son, brother, father, partner, uncle and comrade.

That's why we've decided to release this footage of Lee filmed by his family, including clips of him smiling and trying to dance with his sister Sara, at his passing out parade and drumming in full ceremonial gear in Windsor. Watching it makes me so proud of him.''

Last year, a memorial was set up for the drummer in Woolwich at the military barracks he was returning to when he was attacked.

The two men convicted of his murder, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, are thought to have targeted Mr Rigby because of his connection with the armed forces.

Mrs Rigby, who has also written a book about the life and death of her son, added: It is so important to me that people learn more about who Lee was, and not just know him because he was murdered in such a terrible way.

Lee was a normal, loving young man in the Army who had the terrible misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I'd like to use my son's name for good. No-one should have to go through what my family has suffered.

I still miss Lee and suffer his loss as acutely as the day he died, but I'm hoping that, by building a legacy for him, it will help me to heal in some small way.''

PL

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