The mum who lost her daughter for simply being different
13.04.2022 - 09:05
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sylvia Lancaster lost her daughter simply because she was different. Her child Sophie merely stood out from the crowd, with black and red dreadlocked hair and 'goth'-like clothing.
But it was the very way that she looked that led her to be brutally murdered when innocently walking home with her boyfriend in Bacup in 2007. She had become the target of a horrendous mob attack by a gang - for just being herself.
The 20-year-old was kicked to death for being a goth in Stubbylee Park. It was a heinous crime that shook the nation, but spurred on her mother Sylvia to use her grief as passion to strive for change.
READ MORESophie Lancaster's mum Sylvia has died weeks after one of her daughter's killers was freed
It was as she sat beside her daughter in hospital, gazing on her relying on a life support machine before it was turned off two weeks after the attack, that Sylvia decided she wanted to make a difference. Her mission was clear - she wanted to stamp out prejudice and hatred across the world.
Tributes poured in after the defiant campaigner tragically passed away suddenly in hospital on April 12 following years suffering with her health. She leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that saw her spearhead a lengthy battle for justice, freedom of expression and individuality.
She had a tirelessly fought against the judicial system and had devoted her life to a foundation in Sophie's name, promoting tolerance and acceptance of all walks of life. Striving on in the shadow of her daughter’s tragic death, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, headed by Sylvia, worked hard to visit schools to speak with youths about Sophie’s story.
The 'formidable' mum had seen first-hand the abuse and prejudice that her daughter had been subjected to,
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