Sophie Lancaster’s mum Sylvia will be laid to rest with her daughter

Sophie Lancaster’s mum Sylvia will be laid to rest with her daughter, it’s been confirmed today.

Sylvia Lancaster passed away in Blackburn Hospital back in April following a short period of ill health – just weeks after one of her daughter’s killers was freed.

Her son Adam released further details about the funeral via social media, saying everyone is invited to wear pink, Sylvia’s favourite colour.

Adam wrote on Twitter: “It has been a tough couple of weeks since we lost my Mum, thank you for all your support. We know how much Sylvia meant to other people too.

“You are welcome to join us next Thursday as we commemorate her life, and she will then be laid to rest with Sophie. Thanks, Adam.”

He confirmed a service of commemoration will be held in Whitworth near Rochdale, before Sylvia is laid to rest with Sophie at Whitworth Cemetery.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

Sylvia Lancaster campaigned tirelessly following the murder of her daughter back in 2007. Sophie was kicked to death trying to protect her boyfriend, with the couple attacked because they were dressed as goths.

Sylvia devoted her life to running a foundation in Sophie’s name, with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation created to promote tolerance and stamp out prejudice and hatred.

A statement on the charity’s website at the time 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.”

The tribute continued: “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, The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Team.”

Sylvia recently spoke of her disappointment, when it was revealed her daughter’s murderer Ryan Herbert was set to be freed from prison.

Lancashire Police

Herbert was sixteen-years-old when he was jailed for life in 2008 for murdering Sophie, twenty, in a park in Bacup, Lancashire.

Sophie and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, were attacked by Herbert and five other teenage boys on August 11th, 2007. Sophie bore the brunt of the attack as she attempted to protect Robert from the assault, which was believed to have been provoked over their goth appearances.

The couple were so badly beaten that when paramedics arrived, they could not tell if they were male or female.

Herbert admitted both murder and assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and was given a minimum term of sixteen years and three months, though this was later reduced to fifteen and a half years.