FRIENDS of murdered Haslingden student Sophie Lancaster have launched an annual coast-to-coast walk in her memory in a bid to raise £10,000.

Dad-of-one Brian Stack, 25, and his friend, Stuart Kemp, 27, both from Manchester, are currently bidding to walk 167 miles in 13 days.

The pair, who met Sophie in Manchester, are hoping to raise the cash for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and make the walk an annual event.

They will finish in Whitby on April 26, to coincide with the Whitby Gothic Weekend.

Brian, who has never walked more than a couple of miles, said: “I guess I'm doing this walk for a few different reasons, firstly for the amazing mother of a late friend who continues to inspire me and show us all there is still hope.

“Originally I was looking at walking the coast of the entire UK but as I have never really walked any long distance before and, of course, being a dad that idea soon got tucked under the carpet, although it is something I still want to do in the future.

“Stuart told me about the Martin Wainwright walk and a few days later dropped off a book.

“With a little adjustment we have tailored the walk to end in Whitby during the Whitby Gothic Weekend.

“The support and interest for the event has been very positive and motivational. If we make our target I would be absolutely ecstatic.”

The pair, who have been joined by groups of friends, and Sophie Lancaster Foundation supporters set off from St Bees, west Cumbria, on April 13.

Sylvia Lancaster, Sophie’s mum, said: “What Brian and Stuart are doing is fantastic. It really means the world to know we have such loyal supporters, especially those who were friends with Sophie.

“I am really looking forward to meeting all the walkers in Whitby.”

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was set up in memory of 20-year-old Sophie after she was kicked to death in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, in August, 2007, simply for dressing like a goth.