The mother of Sophie Lancaster, who was kicked to death because she was dressed as a goth, has died suddenly in hospital.
Sylvia Lancaster campaigned tirelessly following her daughter's murder in Bacup in 2007. She devoted her life to a foundation in Sophie's name which promoted tolerance and campaigned to stamp out prejudice.
In a statement the Sophie Lancaster Foundation 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.
