Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has described the mother of a young woman beaten to death by a gang of youths eight years ago as ‘an inspiration to us all’.
Mr Lloyd paid tribute to Sylvia Lancaster on the anniversary of the death of her daughter Sophie, who was murdered in 2007 when she and her boyfriend were attacked Stubbylee Park, Bacup.
The pair were targeted because they were goths.
Sylvia set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in memory of her daughter to raise awareness and educate young people about hate crime.
The Foundation delivers powerful education in schools about hate crime, often with Sylvia telling the story about her daughter’s life.
And Mr Lloyd said: “Sylvia is an inspiration for us all. The great work she has done to raise awareness of hate crime, in the face of such personal tragedy, is a lasting legacy for Sophie – a young woman who was proud of who she was.
“Sylvia’s relentless work has already made a massive difference to people’s lives, instilling confidence and pride in our younger generation to stand up to prejudice and hatred and strive to be who they want to be.”
In 2013, Greater Manchester Police became the first police service in the country to record crimes against goths and other ‘alternative subcultures’ as hate crimes.
Mr Lloyd added: “I also want to praise the work of Greater Manchester Police, the first police service in the country to recognise that people who dress differently or have their hair a different colour should not face abuse, ridicule and violence.
“Today is a sad day as we remember the beautiful life of a young girl taken away so tragically. But it is also one of hope as we look towards the future and how Sylvia’s powerful story is helping to ensure the tragic events surrounding Sophie’s death are not repeated.”
Sophie and her partner Rob were set upon by a gang of thugs on August 11, 2007. She died on August 24 aged 21.
