Sylvia Lancaster campaigned tirelessly after her daughter was murdered in Bacup in 2007, dedicating her life to an institution named after Sophie. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation campaigned to promote tolerance and eliminate hatred and intolerance of prejudice. A statement from the charity’s website said: “This is the most difficult statement to make. We are deeply saddened to announce that Sylvia Lancaster has died. She died early this morning at Blackburn Hospital. “She had been suffering from ill health for the last two years, but her death was sudden and unexpected. Sylvia had such a strong life force; we can not imagine a world without her.” Lancashire police said they were “shocked and saddened” by Sylvia’s death. Sophie was just 20 years old when she was attacked and killed in a park with her boyfriend because they were dressed as Goths. The tribute continued: “After the brutal murder of Sophie, Sylvia put her energy into defending people from alternative subcultures and creating educational programs to tackle prejudice and intolerance. “He worked tirelessly to combat the inaccurate and lazy stereotypes that often lead to violent prejudice and to promote a culture of celebrating diversity, which leads to safer communities for all of us. “Sylvia was terrible. She challenged the authorities and fought for what she believed in. Her legacy is that Sophie will never be forgotten and her daughter’s name will always represent her mission – to eliminate prejudice, hatred and intolerance. everywhere. “It simply came to our notice then. “We have a lot to say over the next few months. Initially all our thoughts are focused on supporting Adam and his family in the coming days and weeks. “Keep those you love a little closer today. “We finish for the last time using the Sylvia brand. Love and Light, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Team.” In a tribute, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation said that Sylvia “challenged power and fought for what she believed in.” Credit: Sophie Lancaster Foundation Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, best known for her role as Hayley Cropper on Coronation Street, was a philanthropist and paid tribute to Sylvia, calling her a “force for good.” She wrote on Twitter: “It was a privilege to know and work with Sylvia for many years. “She was a force for good, for integration, for celebrating diversity. Sophie’s incredible legacy lives on in the foundation’s work. Love and thoughts for Adam and his family.” Ryan Herbert was 16 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 20-year-old as she shook the head of her partner Robert Maltby in her arms. They were targeted by a teen gang in the park in Bancup, Lancashire in 2007, simply because they dressed differently. In March 2022, the Parole Board decided that Herbert could be released on bail, 15 years after he took part in the “vicious” attack. At the time, Sylvia said she was “disappointed” with the decision and said the judicial system had failed her daughter. “They have not done justice to our Sophie,” he said. “All you want at the end of the day is justice. “You do not want anything unusual, you just want justice.” He continued: “I feel disappointed.” Brendon Harris (left) and Ryan Herbert (right) were found guilty of Sophie’s murder and sentenced to life in prison. Brenton Harris, Ryan Herbert and four other teenage boys “savagely and ruthlessly attacked” Robert Maltby in Stubbylee Park in the early morning hours of August 11, 2007. Miss Lancaster’s student rushed to her friend’s aid as he was unconscious and shouted at his assailants to leave him alone. Herbert and Harris then turned on her, subjecting her to a “prolonged and savage attack” that included kicking and stabbing her in the head until she lost consciousness. Miss Lancaster never regained consciousness and died at the hospital 14 days later. Both men were sentenced to life in prison, with at least 16 years, three months for Herbert and 18 years for Harris. However, in 2020, Herbert had reduced his duties to 14 and a half years when a Supreme Court judge concluded that he had made “extraordinary progress” in prison. In May 2021, with the help of Sylvia, Coronation Street was based on a murder story, with two of the characters Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin being similarly abused.
