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.
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