12 October 2023 , 20:25
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Jack Rigby, the 13-year-son of Fusilier Lee Rigby, won Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser Of The Year at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, with TSB. The youngster originally came up with a poignant challenge undertaken to mark the 10th anniversary of his father Lee’s murder on May 22 — to raise £250 by walking a marathon across the month.
The teenager, from Halifax, had been amazed enough when, earlier this year, his original fundraising total escalated to over £50,000 as the Mirror publicised his cause and the nation, including the Prime Minister and countless celebrities, got behind him, with Jack donating the funds to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a brilliant charity that supports children bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces which has been by Jack’s side for a decade.
And in a joyful surprise at the award ceremony, which aired on ITV on Thursday night, hosts Carol Vorderman - with her felt tip pen and flipchart for scribbled maths - and Ashley Banjo, revealed donations from TSB, Pride of Britain, Go Fund Me, plus £12,000 from generous Daily Mirror readers.
Jack Rigby, the 13-year-son of Fusilier Lee Rigby, was surprised on stage (Phil Harris / Daily Mirror)Ashley then finally ran into the crowd and unveiled a stunning gift of £20,000 from Dragons' Den Duncan Bannatyne, boosting Jack’s total to an astonishing £107,124. More than £10,000 for each year he has been without his dad. "Thank you so much," is all the astonished schoolboy could utter open-mouthed, later admitting he was blown away by the "insane amount of money".
Following the super sweet moment, ITV viewers flocked to Twitter to share their reactions as one gushed: "Jack is the most adorable little boy. His dad would be so proud." While another shared: "Wow! This little boy is the prime example of turning your pain into power. His dad is looking down on him tonight and is SO proud."
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A different account said: "#PrideOfBritain what a little hero Jack Rigby is", another viewer wrote: "Jack Rigby will forever follow in his father’s footsteps - being a strong person. His dad will always be proud of him and continue to guide him down the right path. An angel in the sky, who left a huge legacy behind #PrideOfBritain" with another adding: "Lee rigby would be so proud what a young man #prideofbritain."
Watch Pride of Britain Awards live on ITV at 8pm on Thursday 12 October or stream on ITV X. *Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .
Donate to Jack’s fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/prideofbritainsecretchallenge and to find out more about Scotty’s visit www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/