Sophie's memory to live on - Whitby Today
The goth and Gazette teams mark a minute's applause in tribute to Sophie before the football match
GENEROUS fund-raisers over Whitby Gothic Weekend have raised almost £3,000 to pay for a bench and plaque in memory of a goth girl who died in August.
It was hoped £1,600 could be raised in memory of Sophie Lancaster (20) from Lancashire who died following an incident in a play park, while her boyfriend, Robert Maltby (21) was left fighting for his life.
But generous Whitby fund-raisers have exceeded expectations and collected a staggering £2,800 over the weekend.
A stall was set up in the Pavilion selling small black ribbon roses in Sophie's memory and any funds left over will be pledged to reforestation schemes in the UK to plant trees in her memory.
A goth teddy bear was also raffled off at Sexy Sunday at The Met and Justin Coope from the Chocolate Box in Church Street helped to organise raffle prizes including many donated by local businesses which raised £474.
Martin Coles aka DJ Martin Oldgoth who helped organise the fund-raising said he wanted to stay a big thank you to everyone who donated money.
He said: "I've had a fantastic weekend as ever but even more so from seeing not only the goth and alternative communities come together in the face of something so tragic, but from the generosity of the town that for most of us is a second home and the Whitby Gazette which has helped publicise the collection and done so much for us over the years.
"People have been incredible. Meeting Sophie's mum on Sunday was a special moment, such a strong woman in the face of something so terrible and I'm glad we've helped to do something positive for the memory of her daughter."
Mr Coles said it is hoped the bench will be in place in December and he is planning a formal ceremony to take place at next year's gothic weekend in April.
A minute's applause was held for Sophie before the Whitby Gazette versus the Goths football match on Sunday.
And a raffle after the football, organised by Diana Campbell, raised £180 for St Catherine's Whitby Day Hospice.
If you want to leave your own personal tribute to Sophie or comment on the fund-raising efforts, you can do so by registering and following the instructions to register as a user.
But generous Whitby fund-raisers have exceeded expectations and collected a staggering £2,800 over the weekend.
A stall was set up in the Pavilion selling small black ribbon roses in Sophie's memory and any funds left over will be pledged to reforestation schemes in the UK to plant trees in her memory.
A goth teddy bear was also raffled off at Sexy Sunday at The Met and Justin Coope from the Chocolate Box in Church Street helped to organise raffle prizes including many donated by local businesses which raised £474.
Martin Coles aka DJ Martin Oldgoth who helped organise the fund-raising said he wanted to stay a big thank you to everyone who donated money.
He said: "I've had a fantastic weekend as ever but even more so from seeing not only the goth and alternative communities come together in the face of something so tragic, but from the generosity of the town that for most of us is a second home and the Whitby Gazette which has helped publicise the collection and done so much for us over the years.
"People have been incredible. Meeting Sophie's mum on Sunday was a special moment, such a strong woman in the face of something so terrible and I'm glad we've helped to do something positive for the memory of her daughter."
Mr Coles said it is hoped the bench will be in place in December and he is planning a formal ceremony to take place at next year's gothic weekend in April.
A minute's applause was held for Sophie before the Whitby Gazette versus the Goths football match on Sunday.
And a raffle after the football, organised by Diana Campbell, raised £180 for St Catherine's Whitby Day Hospice.
If you want to leave your own personal tribute to Sophie or comment on the fund-raising efforts, you can do so by registering and following the instructions to register as a user.
Last Updated: 02 November 2007 1:13 PM
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