The mother of Sophie Lancaster, who was violently murdered while trying to save her boyfriend, has died.
Sylvia Lancaster set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation following her daughter's brutal killing in 2007, working tirelessly to raise awareness of damage of hate crime.
Sophie, 20, and her partner Robert Maltby were attacked while walking through a park by a gang of teenagers because they dressed differently.
She was kicked to death as she cradled her boyfriend's head in her lap.
Killer Ryan Herbert was 16-years-old when he was handed a life sentence for the horrific crime, Lancs Live reports.
However, in March this year a Parole Board decided he could be released after serving just 15 years behind bars.
At the time Sylvia said she was disappointed with the recommendation and said that the Justice System had failed her daughter.
In an Instagram post on the Sophie Lancaster Foundation's account a representative 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. We are finishing for the last time using Sylvia’s sign off. Love and Light."
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