The sister of murdered soldier Lee Rigby is preparing to run two major fundraising events this autumn, twelve years after his death at the hands of extremists.
Courtney Rigby will take on the Great South Run on 19 October followed by the Alton Towers Half Marathon on 16 November 2025, raising funds for the Lee Rigby Foundation in memory of her brother.
Lee, from Middleton, was just 25 years old when he was brutally killed in a terror attack near his barracks in Woolwich, London, in May 2013. His death shocked the nation and left a lasting void in his family’s life.
“Since the Great South Run was cancelled last year, I feel like a run is owed,” said Courtney. “Whilst I’m not sure I could manage a marathon just yet, I’ll be running the Alton Towers Half not long after the Great South!”
Courtney is running not only for the cause, but for her daughter too, who will grow up knowing her uncle through the stories of others and the legacy built in his name. “My daughter will never get to meet Uncle Lee,” she said, “but she’ll know what he meant to so many people through the fundraising we do.”
The Lee Rigby Foundation was set up following Lee’s death to support bereaved military families. It offers retreat breaks in Foundation owned caravans and delivers practical and emotional support for those facing the trauma of loss.
The charity has expanded in recent years, and Courtney said more donations will help even more families: “The Foundation has gone from strength to strength. The more funds we raise, the more retreats and support we can provide. Anything you can give is greatly appreciated.”
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, hundreds of motorcyclists in memory of both Lee Rigby and fellow Middleton soldier Scott Hetherington, who died in Iraq in 2017, saw a memorial ride begin at Asda Rochdale and continued to Middleton Memorial Gardens for a service of remembrance.
To support Courtney or donate to the Lee Rigby Foundation, visit Courtney Rigby is fundraising for The Lee Rigby Foundation
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