Lee Rigby House opens its doors

Liz McInnes MP, Lyn Rigby, Cllr Ray Dutton, and Lee’s stepdad Ian at the launch of Lee Rigby House

A new respite home for Armed Forces families has opened in memory of Lee Rigby in Staffordshire, and Liz McInnes MP and Councillor Ray Dutton – Lee’s uncle – were there to help mark the occasion.

Ms McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton, and Councillor Dutton, councillor for North Heywood ward, were welcomed to the opening of Lee Rigby House by Lee’s mum Lyn and stepdad Ian.

Ms McInnes has supported the work of the Lee Rigby Foundation since first being elected, including running the Manchester 10k in May this year to raise funds for the charity.

At the opening event of the house, Councillor Dutton handed over a cheque for £12,000, which he raised during his year as Rochdale Mayor in 2016/17.

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

Ms McInnes said: “I am delighted to see Lee Rigby House open its doors. I know Lynn, Ian and everyone who helps to support the day-to-day work of the Lee Rigby Foundation have worked extremely hard to make this happen.

"It is wonderful that Lee’s parents are doing something so positive to remember their son by, and I am sure it will provide a great comfort to many families.

"The Foundation can only do things like this because of public support and kind donations, and I would encourage everyone to find out more about the work of the Lee Rigby Foundation by visiting their website at leerigbylodge.org.”