Tributes flood in following the death of Sylvia Lancaster OBE

The mother of Sophie Lancaster, who was murdered in Stubbylee Park in Bacup in 2007, died unexpectedly this morning in Royal Blackburn Hospital after battling an illness.

Julie Hesmondhalgh, the Hyndburn actress who portrayed Sylvia in a drama documentary film Black Roses which focused on Sophie’s life, worked closely with Sylvia.

Julie said: “It was a privilege to know and work alongside Sylvia over many years. She was a force for good, for inclusion, for celebration of difference.

“Sophie’s incredible legacy lives on in the work of the foundation. Love and thoughts to Adam and the family. Rest in power incredible woman.”

Lancashire Constabulary have also paid tribute to Sylvia, thanking her for all of her work.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dawson said: “I cannot even begin to imagine the grief and suffering Sylvia must have gone through following Sophie’s murder but the determination she showed to forge a positive legacy from that tragedy is truly inspiring.

“Sylvia did so much to challenge prejudice, hate and intolerance through the @sophie_charity and to ensure that Sophie’s name will live on through her invaluable work.

“Sophie’s murder had a huge impact on so many people, including many officers and staff in the Constabulary and Sylvia has provided some hugely valuable guidance to officers dealing with hate crime and has spoken with great eloquence and passion as part of the training we give to our family liaison officers.

“Her contribution to public service has been enormous and she will be greatly missed.”

READ MORE: Sylvia Lancaster OBE, mother of murdered Sophie, has died

Journalist and author Catherine Smyth who worked on a book "Weirdo Mosher Freak - the murder of Sophie Lancaster" alongside Sylvia has paid tribute.

She said: "I am so desperately sad to hear of the passing of Sylvia Lancaster. Her tireless work for the foundation she set up in memory of Sophie was immeasurable.

"She was an incredible lady, stoic, straight talking and as she joins her daughter, she leaves behind a legacy that I hope will lead to a better and more tolerant society.

"I am just so very sad that she has gone. I wish love to Adam and the family."

Mollie Gallager, who plays Nina on Coronation Street worked very closely with Sylvia during a storyline on the soap last year based on Sophie's murder.

Speaking on social media, Mollie said: "Absolutely devastating news. My heart goes out to all of Sylvia’s family. A truly inspiring woman who has made a huge impact from all of the incredible things she has done"

Cllr Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Council, said: “I am very saddened to hear the news, it’s a great loss to the valley.

“I didn’t know Sylvia well, I had met her once but I admired her for her campaigning work.

“What a great shame, she was such a strong campaigner and clearly all of that came from a terrible experience that she had with her daughter Sophie.”

A police officer who worked on Sophie’s murder case John McNamara spoke out on Twitter. He said: “Have just read that Sylvia Lancaster has passed away.

“One of the worst jobs during my police service was the horrific hate murder of her daughter; Sophie.

“She was inspirational in how she was after that and when I met her once she was awe-inspiring.”

Cllr Joseph Stevens of Longholme ward added: “Heartbreaking to hear of the sudden death of Sylvia Lancaster.

“Anyone who has been, or could ever be a target for hate crime will be forever in a debt of gratitude to Sylvia for the incredible work she did to tackle prejudice, hatred and intolerance.

“She will be missed.”

Independent councillor James Eaton for Bacup ward said: “She was an incredible woman and has gone through such a terrible time.”

Councillor Barbara Ashworth for Bacup ward added: "I'm really sorry to hear that Sylvia has died so unexpectedly. She devoted so much time and energy to ensure Sophie's name will not be forgotten but will live on in the quest to eradicate all forms of prejudice, hatred and intolerance."