11/08/2026
It’s 19 years ago today that the attack took place in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, that would take Sophie’s life 13 days later.
Today, we send our love to Sophie’s family and friends and to everyone who continues to love and remember her. Sophie is not simply a figurehead or a banner we march behind. She was a person, a daughter, a friend, a sister and a young woman who should still be here with us today. We grieve the life that was taken from her.
At Sophie’s murder trial, the attack was described as “feral thuggery” by His Honour Judge Anthony Russell QC. Many of us may stand out as different within our communities but every one of us has the right to be who we are and to live our lives free from fear and violence.
We must continue to stand together and unite against hatred, prejudice and violence in all our communities. Because when one of us is targeted for being different, the impact reaches far beyond one person. If we don’t stand together, it rebounds on us all.
Today, we remember Sophie. And we renew our commitment to continue the work that her mum Sylvia started - to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere.
For Sophie, always.
