The son of Lee Rigby, who was murdered in broad daylight on May 22, 2013, has spoken for the first time since his father's death. The British Army man was killed 200 yards from his barracks in Woolwich in a murder that caught the attention of the nation.
The 25-year-old father to son Jack was killed by two Islamist extremists while his child was just two years old. Jack, now 12, is hoping to honour his hero father after he was present at his military funeral in Bury ten years ago clutching a teddy bear given to him by Lee, reports the Mirror.
Jack has grown up without a father and was affected to the point he wasn't able to speak as a toddler due to the trauma. But as a decade is soon to be passed since Lee died, he has spoken out for the first time.
He is due to walk and run a marathon over the course of a month for the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers which aims to support the children and young people bereaved by the loss of military personnel.
Jack told the Mirror: "I want to raise £1,000 for every year my dad has been gone and would absolutely love to raise £10,000 for the 10-year anniversary.
"I feel proud doing the May Marathon in honour of my dad. It also helps distract me from everything. Going on a long walk is a nice break and reminds me it’s not all bad."
Lee's widow, Rebecca, 40, said age has been no barrier to pain for her young son. She said: "People think because Jack was only two when his dad was killed, that it doesn’t affect him very much, but that’s not how it works.
"Just because Jack was young, it doesn’t mean he’s forgotten Lee. Lee has always been such an important part of our lives and always will be. I’m so proud of Jack in everything that he does, and I think that Lee would be as well."
"Jack wanted to do something positive in memory of his dad. He wants to show how even though he’s grown up without Lee, he’s not forgotten his dad. For me, Scotty’s is about knowing Jack’s not been forgotten.
"In the wider world, people seem to think because he was only two and a half when Lee was killed it didn’t affect him, but Scotty’s know that isn’t the case. It gives everyone it supports the chance to speak to others who are in the same position."
The fusilier, who joined the Army in 2006 and was deployed to Afghanistan three years later, was killed by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.
He was off duty and entering the barracks in London in civilian clothes when he was killed. At the conclusion of a four-week trial, the killers were given life sentences.
A tribute from Jack to his dad at the time of his death read: "My Daddy, my hero. Your memory will live on in me. You made me proud and I will miss you for eternity."
The founder of Scotty’s, Nikki Scott, said: "Jack is an incredible young man. He’s been through so much and we’re glad Scotty’s has been able to support him.
"Throughout a child’s life there can be many trigger points where they will need a little extra support with their bereavement so we will continue to be here for him to ensure he knows he’s not alone."
Jack added to that by saying: "It helps to know I’m not the only one in my situation. And that there’s people I can reach out and talk to, whenever I need them."
To help Jack to raise £10,000 in honour of his dad, visit https://scottyslittlesoldiers.enthuse.com/pf/jack-rigby to show support. For more information about Scotty’s, go to www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Parents arrested as starving boy, 10, found wandering streets in search of food
Woman's ADHD diagnosis at 32 'best thing to happen' after life of 'confusion'
Depression warning signs to look out for if someone you know is struggling
Scots dog owner heartbroken as pet dies hours after being dropped off at kennel
