Sylvia Lancaster, mother of 20-year-old woman who was killed for dress like a goth in 2007, died suddenly.
Dr. Lancaster passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, charity set up in memory of Sophie Lancaster said.
“This is with great shock and disbelief that we are announcing that Sylvia Lancaster has passed away,” the organization said in a statement. on social media.
“She died early in the morning in Blackburn Hospital. She suffered from ill health for in last pair of years, but her death was sudden and unexpected. Sylvia had this powerful a life force; we can’t imagine world without her in This is.”
Her death comes in a few weeks one of Sophie’s killers were set be released from jail decision Dr. Lancaster said she was “very disappointed” at the time.
Ryan Herbert was 16 years old. in 2008 when he admitted Sophie to murder also pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm with the intention of Sophie’s boyfriend, Robert Maltby.
Herbert was given the minimum term of 16 years and three months later reduced up to 15 and half years on address.
In 2020 Herbert’s fare was reduced to 14 and half years when the High Court judge concluded that he made “exceptional progress” in jail.
Last month, the Parole Board said Herbert, now 30, could be released after committing “significant changes”to his life.
Sophie and her partner were severely beaten by Herbert and his friend Brendan Harris as they walked. home through Stubbilly Park in Buckup, Lancashire.
Sophie has been repeatedly stamped. on and kicked in in head and never regained consciousness attack. mr maltby survived.
Harris, who was found guilty of Sophie murder and recognized attack on Mr Maltby was imprisoned for a life with minimum term of 18 years.
Her killers were convicted in 2008 and the judge recognized her death like hate crime because they were aimed for dress like goths.
Her parents set up Sophie Lancaster Foundation to create respect and understanding of subcultures.
The organization said on Tuesday: “After Sophie’s abuse of murder, Sylvia put all her energy into protecting people from alternative subcultures and creating educational programs to combat prejudice and intolerance.
She worked tirelessly on combat inaccurate and lazy stereotypes that all too often lead to violent prejudice and promote culture of celebrating differences; something that leads to safer communities for us all.
“Sylvia was formidable. She defied authority and fought against for what did she believe in. Her legacy is that Sophie will never be forgotten and her daughter’s name will always represent her. mission – Eradicate prejudice, hatred and intolerance everywhere. She will be greatly missed.”
In 2013 the Greater Manchester Police became in first in country officially recognizes hate crimes against goths, emo, punks and metalheads.
Dr. Lancaster was made WTO in 2014 for her relentless campaigning.