Lee Rigby memorial plaque presented by fusilier’s uncle

Memorial plaque about Fusilier Lee Rigby presented to Gavin Vitler, the founder of Rigby's Guardians Bike Club, by Councillor Ray Dutton, and the Heywood Veteran’s Association with Councillor Peter Rush

A memorial plaque about Fusilier Lee Rigby has been presented to the founder of Rigby's Guardians Bike Club and area representative for the Lee Rigby Foundation.

The plaque, which tells the story of Fusilier Rigby’s service and his death, has been designed and created by Neville Greenhalgh.

It was presented to Lee’s childhood friend, Gavin Vitler, on Wednesday (21 November) by Lee’s uncle, Councillor Ray Dutton, and the Heywood Veteran’s Association.

25-year-old Fusilier Rigby, from Middleton, was stabbed to death outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south London, in May 2013 while off duty. His killers, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, were sentenced to life in prison in December 2013 after they were found guilty of his murder.

Mr Vitler, who now focuses on running events in Lee's memory, said: “I will be presenting the plaque to Lyn and Ian in a few weeks’ time where it will be placed at Lee Rigby House.

“We are now opening the house up to victims of domestic terrorism. Just recently some of the families of victims of the Manchester bombing stayed at the house as did local veterans and families from Heywood and Middleton.”

The plaque will be placed at Lee Rigby House, a ‘grief retreat’ for Armed Forces families with a particular focus and priority on those who are not next of kin, for example partners, grandparents, mothers, fathers and siblings.

Lee Rigby House is set within a 17-acre country estate in Oakamoor, Staffordshire.