Lee Rigby’s mum, Lyn Rigby, has praised the ‘Angels of Woolwich’ who'd tried to help her son when he was murdered 10 years ago today.
Rigby was attacked by two men – Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale – as he walked back to his barracks in Woolwich, South East London, on 22 May, 2013.
When he was attacked by the two men, who attempted to decapitate him, several members of the public sprang into action to help Lee in any way they could.
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Amanda Donnelly, Tina Nimmo, and Ingrid Loyau-Kennett were among those who'd attempted to help, with Donnelly comforting Lee in his final moments, Tina holding back traffic in the road, and Ingrid confronting the killers until the arrival of the police.
Now, on the anniversary of Lee’s tragic murder, Lyn has thanked them once again.
She told The Mirror: “The Angels of Woolwich stepped up for my son in a way I will never be able to repay.
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“It should have been me that was there to protect him, to comfort him in his last moments, but I knew nothing about Lee’s murder until later.
"These women are incredible and I will remain in their debt for the rest of my life. They put themselves in terrible danger because they wanted to help a stranger in need.
"That takes enormous guts and its shows how very special they are.
“They all just rushed in on instinct– a mother’s instinct that drove them to protect a young man in desperate need. Their humanity is everything.”
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Nimmo sadly died this Friday after an illness, and Lyn – who became a good friend after meeting in horrific circumstances – paid tribute to the former pub landlady.
She said: “Tina was an exceptional woman, brave and fearless, and she became a good friend. The horror of that day really affected Tina yet she always said she would do the same again in a flash.
“My heart goes out to her family at her sad loss, and I hope she rests in eternal peace.”
Donnelly also reflected on the day of Lee's murder, stating it was 'truly horrendous', but added that she would do the same again in a heartbeat.
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“I’m a mum with children and no one should be left to die in the street in such an undignified manner." she said.
“It was a truly horrendous day.
“Witnessing something so violent is not something you can ever forget.
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“But what I have suffered is nothing compared to what Lee’s family have been through.”
On meeting Amanda, Lyn continued: “I gave her the biggest hug and no words were necessary.
"We just held each other and cried.
“She was just so full of love and warmth.
“I will be forever grateful that it was this remarkable woman who was with Lee at the end. Today we will celebrate Lee’s life 10 years on.
“He will never be forgotten, and neither will the amazing women who were there for him.”
Tom Wood