The mother of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby is overjoyed to have opened a holiday sanctuary for traumatised veterans as a “force for good” in his memory.
On the ninth anniversary on Sunday of his death, Lyn Rigby has realised her dream of launching a caravan haven that also caters to bereaved military families.
The bolthole in Aberystwyth has been named the Lee Rigby Retreat after her son who was slain by extremists on the streets of London on May 22, 2013.
Lyn said: “There’ve been some very dark days since Lee was taken from us, but the launch of the caravan is something to celebrate.
“Not only does it mean we can help families and veterans when they need support most, it also means we can celebrate Lee always.
“Everything we do as a family is about keeping his memory alive and doing good in his name.
“It would break my heart all over again if Lee and his life were forgotten. This is our way of ensuring Lee’s legacy is a force for good.”
Lyn bought the caravan as part of the charity she founded, the Lee Rigby Foundation. She and her family and a group of supporters then spent the winter lovingly refurbishing it.
Lyn has now welcomed her first family to the seaside retreat in mid-Wales and bookings are filling up. It is the first of several she aims to open around the UK.
The kind-hearted community of Aberystwyth has already taken Lyn and the cause to their hearts.
Launching the caravan, local mayor Alun Williams said: “This respite sanctuary shows Aberystwyth at its best to help people in serious adversity and I’m proud to open the retreat.”
During a launch last week, Lyn and Lee’s stepfather Ian had the support of soldiers from the Royal Welsh as well as veterans from Lee’s beloved Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Lee, 25, of Middleton, Greater Manchester, was walking to his barracks in Woolwich when he was killed by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who were sentenced to life.
