Special tribute in honour of beloved soldier Lee

THE sister of soldier Lee Rigby has released a poignant tribute as the 12-year anniversary of his murder approaches.

- BY PAIGE INGRAM, MICHAEL D CARROLL

Lee Rigby, who enrolled in the Army in 2006 and served in Afghanistan from 2009, was only 25 when he lost his life to extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

Lee was off duty and dressed in civilian clothes when he became a victim outside the barracks; his attackers hit him with their car followed by assaulting him with knives and meat cleavers.

Following a four-week trial at the Old Bailey, both murderers received life sentences, with the main perpetrator, Adebolajo, being condemned to spend his entire life behind bars.

Thursday, May 22, marks a dozen years since the murder.

To commemorate her brother's legacy, Courtney Rigby, 24, is gearing up to participate in the Great South Run on October 19 and the Alton Towers Half Marathon scheduled for November 16.

These runs form part of several fundraising efforts aimed at assisting military families in grief through the Lee Rigby Foundation.