In May 2023, 13-year-old Jack Rigby had to endure the 10th anniversary of his dad Lee’s death.
Wanting to make a positive impact, the youngster heroically walked a marathon in a bid to raise £10,000 – £1,000 for every year he has grown up fatherless – and has absolutely smashed his target, hitting £50,000.
Jack is giving the money to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity which supports bereaved children whose parent had served in the British Armed Forces. The charity has long helped Jack – his dad Lee was a Fusilier who was murdered by Islamic terrorists outside Woolwich Barracks in 2013.
Now, a secret GoFundMe page has been set up by the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards to boost Jack’s fundraising. The aim is to lift the total to hit £10,000 for every year Jack has lived without Lee, absolutely smashing his original target of £1,000 per year. But the fundraising needs your help.
“Jack was so excited to see the amount grow and seeing how much each donation made him smile meant the world to me,” explained proud mum Rebecca.
“He and I read all the messages of support and were thankful for them all. We honestly couldn’t believe how kind and generous people were being.”
“We never dreamt that the fundraiser would do as well as it did and we are thankful to each and every person who donated and sent messages.”
Dad Lee Rigby joined the Army in 2006. He had spent time in Afghanistan, but at the time of his murder was working in a recruitment post for the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. His son Jack was just two years old.
Jack has always found anniversaries difficult, which is why he decided to mark the 10th with something different. Support has been rampant for Jack, with even Rishi Sunak finding the time.
“I feel proud doing the May Marathon in honour of my dad. It also helps distract me from everything,” Jack said. “Going on a long walk is a nice break and reminds me it’s not all bad.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers has helped Jack so much that he named his black cockapoo, who he takes for plenty of walks, Scotty, after the charity.
