The Legacy of Sophie Lancaster
In 2007, two young goths – Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby – were subjected to a horrific unprovoked attack whilst walking in the Pennine town of Bacup, Lancashire. 14 years later, we reflect on the still-present intolerance of those who are ‘different’ and take a look at the inspired storyline, as well as the tireless work of Sophie’s mother who set up a foundation in her name.
Sophie and her boyfriend were creative, artistic people who dressed in their own unique way. They were attacked by a gang of 5 boys in a park in Bacup, Lancashire on 11 August 2007. The gang attacked Sophie’s boyfriend first and then turned on her, carrying out a brutal and sustained attack. Sophie remained in Hope hospital in Salford for 13 days before, following medical advice, the family agreed to switch off her life support. Sophie died on 24 August 2007; she was just 20 years old. Sophie was young woman who was murdered for being different.
