Bands of brothers

Photo: Tim Bradley

PUT it there: Lee Rigby’s dad Phil McLure (third from left) is welcomed by Martin Schofield and friends at Whittles in Oldham.

THE life of murdered soldier Lee Rigby was celebrated by family, friends and well-wishers at a packed Oldham pub yesterday.

Crowds flocked to concert venue Whittles in King Street to raise money for Help for Heroes.

There was hardly room to move as rock bands played from mid-afternoon

Lee’s father — 53-year-old Phil McClure, from Bardsley — helped to organise the event.

He said: “It’s a time to remember and for people to pay their respects. We’re raising money for a great cause.”

Oldham DJ and former Inspiral Carpets keyboard player Clint Boon — a friend of Phil’s — donated a signed painting while a host of sporting memorabilia donated by local businesses made for some star prizes.

Fusilier Lee (25), from Middleton, was brutally murdered near Woolwich Barracks in London in May, last year.

One of the two men found guilty of the killing has lodged an application to appeal.

The Court of Appeal move was made by Michael Adebolajo (29), following his conviction with co-defendant Michael Adebowale (22) at the Old Bailey. British Muslim converts Adebowale and Adebolajo were found guilty in December, 2013.