Lee Rigby’s son has spoken out for the first time ahead of his dad’s year murder anniversary – saying that “it’s never easy but this year feels harder for some reason”.

Jack was just two and a half years old when he lost his dad, who was a 25-year-old British Army Solider and drummer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Lee died after being brutally attacked in Woolwich by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

He was returning to Woolwich barracks after working at the Tower of London when he was targeted by the duo Wellington Street at around 2.20pm on May 22, 2013.

As Lee crossed the road, the pair spotted his Help 4 Heroes hoodie and mowed him down in the car.

He was almost decapitated and died as a result of multiple cut and stab wounds by Adebolajo and Adebowale.

Adebolajo told witnesses to call the police and urged them to film him as he launched into a rant whilst still Lee's blood.

They waited for armed police to arrive then ran at patrol car hoping to be martyred but they were both shot and injured.

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

Jack, who is now 12-years-old, has spoken out for the first time, after growing up without his dad and learning the way that his life was taken.

He has decided to take on a fundraising campaign in his dads’ memory.

Jack’s fundraiser reads: “I am taking on 26.2 miles during the month of May, whilst raising funds to ensure specialised bereavement support is in place for our bereaved military children and young people.

“My dad Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered on May 22nd 2013 when I was only 2 and a half years old. This year marks the 10 year anniversary, it's never easy but this year feels even harder for some reason.”

He will be raising money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports young people up to 25 years old who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the forces.

His mum registered him with Scotty’s in 2013 and has been a proud member ever since.

Jack told the Mirror that he has met other children who are in similar situations as him and says he enjoys the Christmas parties over the years at Scotty’s – even naming his dog after the charity in tribute.

Jack said: “It helps to know I’m not the only one in my situation and that there’s people I can reach out and talk to, whenever I need them.

“I want to raise £1,000 for every year my dad has been gone and would absolutely love to raise £10,000 for the 10-year anniversary, “I feel proud doing the May Marathon in honour of my dad. It also helps distract me from everything. Going on a long walk is a nice break and reminds me it’s not all bad.”

Jacks mum Rebecca told the Mirror: “People think because Jack was only two when his dad was killed, that it doesn’t affect him very much, but that’s not how it works.

“Just because Jack was young, it doesn’t mean he’s forgotten Lee. Lee has always been such an important part of our lives and always will be.

“I’m so proud of Jack in everything that he does, and I think that Lee would be as well.”

She adds: “Jack wanted to do something positive in memory of his dad. He wants to show how even though he’s grown up without Lee, he’s not forgotten his dad.”