Sylvia Lancaster campaigned tirelessly after the murder of her daughter in Bacup in 2007. She dedicated her life to an institution named after Sophie that promoted tolerance and campaigned to eradicate prejudice. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation said in a statement: “This is the most difficult statement to make. It is with great shock and disbelief that we announce that Sylvia Lancaster has died. It was so sudden and unexpected. Sylvia had such a powerful life force; we can not imagine a world without her. Read more: Rochdale gang victims who failed due to GMP receive apology and “significant” payment “After the brutal murder of Sophie, Sylvia put her energy into defending people from alternative subcultures and creating training programs to tackle prejudice and intolerance. She worked tirelessly to combat inaccurate and lazy leadership prejudices and promoted a culture of celebrity difference; something that 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. They will unfortunately be unanswered. “There will be 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’re done for the last time. I used the Sylvia off brand. Love and Light. “ Sophie Lancaster died of her injuries 12 days after the attack (Image: Daily Mirror) Sophie was murdered and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, was badly beaten in Stubbylee Park in Bacup on August 11, 2007 by teenagers Ryan Herbert and Brendan Harris in what a judge described as a “savage” and “savage” assault. The couple was beaten so badly that when ambulances arrived they could not tell if it was a man or a woman. Sophie, 20, was placed in a life support machine. She died of her injuries at the hospital almost two weeks later, on August 24. Herbert was 16 when he was sentenced to life in prison in 2008 and sentenced to at least 16 years in prison. His sentence was later reduced to 14 and a half years after the appeal. Upload video Video is not available Click to play Click to play The video will play automatically soon8Cancel Play now Harris, who pleaded guilty to Sophie’s murder in 2008 and pleaded guilty to assaulting Maltby, was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Last month, the release committee said Herbert, now 30, could be released after making “significant changes in his life.” In a statement, Sylvia, who was awarded the OBE in 2014 for her hate crime campaign and collaborated with young offenders before Sophie’s murder, said she was “very disappointed”. He added: “Once again we have a justice system that fails to deliver justice. The more people make progress in prison, the more punishment they have been given in recognition of the extent of their crime. “The family is serving the sentence imposed on them. Its attackers may not have been sentenced to life in prison, but I have been sentenced.” Read more: Bucket strikes are set to continue in Manchester as workers vote in favor of industrial action Read also: “They failed him”: Probationary hostel with drug culture and “insufficient” staff under fire after the death of a man who “wanted to settle himself”
