The campaigning mum of murdered Sophie Lancaster has died suddenly.
Sylvia Lancaster passed away at Royal Blackburn Hospital in Lancashire, on Tuesday morning, having suffered from ill health for a couple of years.
She had spent the last 15 years championing people from alternative subcultures and creating educational programmes to tackle prejudice and intolerance.
Her daughter was killed in a park in Bacup in 2007 aged 20 while defending her boyfriend after the couple were targeted for being goths.
Ryan Herbert was just 16 when he was jailed for life the following year for murdering Sophie as she cradled her partner Robert Maltby’s head in her lap amid the assault.
Sylvia spoke of her outrage just last month after it was revealed he could soon be freed.
And previously worked with Coronation Street bosses in May 2021 for a storyline inspired by her daughter's tragic death.
Characters Nina Lucas and boyfriend Seb Franklin were attacked for their choice of clothing, in a shock episode inspired by Sophie's death.
A statement released by the Sophie Lancaster Foundation said Sylvia's death was "sudden and unexpected".
It said: “This is the hardest statement to write. It is with great shock and disbelief that we announce that Sylvia Lancaster has passed away.
“She died early this morning in Blackburn hospital. She had suffered from ill health for the last couple of years, but her death was sudden and unexpected.
“Sylvia had such a powerful life force; we cannot imagine a world without her in it.
“Following Sophie’s brutal murder, Sylvia put her energy into championing people from alternative subcultures and creating educational programmes to tackle prejudice and intolerance.
“She worked tirelessly to combat the inaccurate and lazy stereotyping that all too often leads to violent prejudice and promoted a culture of celebrating difference; something that leads to safer communities for us all.
"Sylvia was formidable.
“She challenged authority 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 Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere.
“She will be sadly missed.
“There will be much to say over the course of the next few months.
"Initially all our thoughts are focused on supporting Adam and his family in the coming days and weeks. Hold those you love a little bit closer today.”
