Lee Rigby‘s son has raised more than £40,000 in donations for other grieving service children.
Jack opted to run in Scotty’s May Marathon to commemorate his passing on May 10, and he has already achieved his goal of raising £1,000 for each year that has passed since his death.
His father was attacked close to the Woolwich Barracks in south-east London, where he was stationed as a British Army soldier in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Lee Rigby’s was murdered by Islamic extremists in 2013,
While crossing a road he was reportedly targeted for wearing a Help For Heroes jumper and hit by a car driven by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.
The pair then fled the vehicle only to attack the 25-year-old with knives, trying to behead him.
Latest London news
The attackers remained at the scene and told people they attacked Rigby because of all the Muslims killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the time, his son was just two years old. Ever since his dad’s murder, Jack has been supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved military children.
In a video thanking those who have donated to the fundraiser, his mum Rebecca said: ‘The amount that has 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, who now lives in Halifax, West Yorkshire, said he wanted to take part in the charity drive because ‘Scotty’s makes me feel proud’.
The 12-year-old added: ‘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.’
The Rigbys have used respite breaks organised by Scotty’s to take some time away and make new memories.
They have also attended a number of events, including the National Service of Remembrance and Scotty’s annual Christmas parties, where Jack has spent time with other children in his situation.
He has also been offered one-to-one bereavement support, and met the Duke of Sussex at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2017.