Today marks the sixth anniversary of the tragic death of Sophie Lancaster, killed for dressing in her own unique way, daring to look ‘different.’ Since Sophie‘s death, her mother Sylvia has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of prejudice against subcultures through campaigning and charity work with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

This is the description of the Foundation in their own words:
“Since Sophie’s death on August 24th 2007, following the horrific attack on her and her partner Rob in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire, we have had lots of kind offers of support and donations. Sophie and Rob dressed in their unique way, expressing their individuality as creative artistic people.

After consulting family and friends, we felt that a charity should be set up in Sophie’s name. The charity, known as The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, will focus on creating respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities.

It will also work in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who a part of subcultures are protected by the law.”

The Foundation became a registered charity in 2009 (number 1129689). The following are their aims:

• To create a lasting legacy to Sophie.
• To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures.
• To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from alternative subcultures or Lifestyle and Dress.

“So far, to meet these aims and objectives we have promoted the Foundation nationally and internationally, ensuring Sophie is recognised in the media and elsewhere. This has involved Sylvia Lancaster being interviewed many times for TV and Newspapers and many magazines have included features on Sophie’s death and the work of Sylvia in setting up the Foundation. Including a “Tonight With Trevor McDonald” special.

The partnership with Illamasqua and Propaganda has proved invaluable and The Foundation is proud to work with them. Their profile in the beauty and business world has carried the work of the Foundation into new areas and brought new supporters and collaborators to join us.

Their creation of Dark Angel to commemorate Sophie’s 23rd birthday was inspirational. It is a profound, powerful animation that was premiered in Manchester city centre and on MTV. ” You can watch the video below.

British metal band BEHOLDER  also released their single ‘Never take Us Down’ and donated all proceeds to The Foundation and there are constantly many fundraising activities happening.

The Foundation also sell various products including wristbands, hoodies, tote bags and tank tops and appear with a stall at Bloodstock Festival each year, where also one of the stages is named after Sophie; The Sophie Lancaster Stage.

For more information and to give your ongoing support to this cause, please visit the official facebook page at this location and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation official website at this location.

REST IN PEACE SOPHIE

STAMP OUT PREJUDICE, HATRED AND INTOLERANCE EVERYWHERE