The family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby will attend a special Armed Forces Day at Macclesfield Town Football Club.
Fusilier Rigby, 25, was off duty when he was attacked and killed on May 22, 2013, in Woolwich, London.
Lee’s widow, Rebecca Rigby, their son Jack Rigby, five, and Lee’s dad Phil McClure as well as other family members will join armed forces members who are invited to watch the Silkmen’s Vanarama National Premier League game against Aldershot on Saturday, January 23 for free.
And Jack, will get the opportunity to run out with the players as mascot for the day.
The decision was made to issue free tickets for the game due to Aldershot’s connection with the military – the town originated as a military camp and is home to the headquarters of the Army’s Support Command.
Dan Ackerley, Macclesfield Town Football Club’s commercial manager, said: “The game on Saturday is about Macclesfield Town FC, our supporters and the wider community offering thanks, appreciation and general recognition to those whose brave job it is to defend our country.
“It is also about remembering those who make the ultimate sacrifice and leave behind loved ones, including sons and daughters.
He added: “Lee’s wife Rebecca’s aim is simply to raise awareness of charities like ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ who support the children of the bereaved.
“This is all about the Rigby family supporting a good cause.
“Aldershot is a town with historic and current links to the military and by making our match against them an ‘Armed Forces Day’ and allowing serving and retired forces personnel in free of charge, we are able to achieve all of this.”
Donation buckets will be available on the day, with Lee’s dad Phil, assisting with the collections.
Dan said: “We will all be extending a warm welcome to the Rigby family and we hope that Jack enjoys the day as mascot.”
He joked: “I believe that little Jack is a Manchester United supporter but we are all going to try our best to convert him into a Macclesfield Town fan!”
Rebecca said: “Lee always enjoyed football. Saturday will also be a chance for Jack and I to raise awareness and funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Scotty’s supports the children of our fallen.
“I know Lee would fully back what we are doing and if he was still with us.”
The game will take place at the Moss Rose Stadium on London Road, with kick-off at 3pm.
To get tickets for the game, contact the football club on 01625 264686 or at reception@mtfc.co.uk.
