Sylvia Lancaster, the mother of Sophie Lancaster, who was murdered for her gothic appearance, has died.

Sophie Lancaster, 20, was stomped to death as her boyfriend was seriously beaten after the two were attacked by a ‘feral’ and ‘savage’ mob of youngsters in Lancashire in 2007.

The 20-year-old died from her injuries in hospital 13-days after the incident.

Her murderer Ryan Herbert, who was 16 at the time, was imprisoned for life in 2008 and ordered to spend a minimum of 16 years in prison.

Following Sophie’s murder, Sylvia devoted years to working against hate crime and championing individuals from alternative subcultures.

She set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in her daughter’s honour and was granted an OBE in honour of her efforts.

The foundation confirmed Sylvia’s ‘sudden and unexpected’ death today.

A statement released on the organisation’s website said: ‘It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we report that Sylvia Lancaster has died 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 Foundation said in the wake of Sophie’s death, Sylvia channelled her energy into ‘championing people from alternative subcultures’ and ‘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,” the statement said.

“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.”

Herbert, 30, is about to be freed from jail after the Parole Board determined that he has made “significant changes to his life.” Sylvia died just before Herbert was about to be released.

When asked about the ruling by the Guardian, Sylvia complained that she had not received an explanation and felt “ignored” by the legal system. Sylvia’s comments were published in the newspaper.

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