Lee Rigby's mother pays emotional tribute to murdered soldier on sixth anniversary of his death

The mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has paid an emotional tribute to her son six years after his death.

Lyn Rigby said it has “been so long since we last heard his laughter” as she posted a heartfelt message on the sixth anniversary of the father-of-one's death.

Ms Rigby said today was a day the whole family dreaded as she posted a lengthy homage to the 25-year-old.

Writing a post on the Lee Rigby Foundation’s Facebook page, she wrote: “Today is a day we all dread as a family.

“It’s exactly six years since Lee was murdered and it never gets any easier. The more time passes, the more we miss him because it's been so long since we last heard his laughter, saw his smiling face or felt his arms wrapped around us.”

Mr Rigby, a drummer and machine gunner with the 2^nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was murdered outside of his barracks while off duty on May 22, 2013.

The killers were jailed at the Old Bailey in February 2014.

Michael Adebolajo, 32, was given a whole-life term and Michael Adebowale, 25, was jailed for a minimum of 45 years.

Ms Rigby thanked the “thousands” of people who she said had supported the family in the wake of Mr Rigby’s murder.

She said: “But as heart-breaking as it is, we are trying to keep Lee's legacy alive so we can remember him with all our love not just today, but every day of the year.

“As a family we will come together to comfort each other and keep Lee close to us.

“But we would like to say a huge thank you to the thousands of people who continue to support and help us on our journey.

“It means everything to us that you hold Lee so dear to you and that you have never forgotten him.”

In paying tribute to her son, Ms Rigby also offered her condolences to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, which happened on May 22, 2017.

She added: “It’s also a horrendous time for all the families who lost loved ones at the Manchester Arena bombing two years ago.

“We would also like to send our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who lost loved ones at the Manchester Arena. It’s a day none of us want to remember but our thoughts are with you all.

“Here's to Lee and all the victims of this terrible anniversary. May they all Rest In Peace.”