University of Salford: Mothers campaign in children's memory
Article by Vickie Scullard, Salford journalism student.
Two mothers who tragically lost their children in high profile murder cases visited the University of Salford last week to highlight campaigns set up in their memory.
Winnie Johnson, the mother of missing Moors victim Keith Bennett, and Sylvia Lancaster, whose daughter Sophie died after being brutally attacked for dressing like a 'goth', spoke candidly to 3rd year journalism students about their shocking ordeals.
The mock press conferences gave students the chance to learn how to interview compassionately and deal with highly sensitive issues.
Winnie's story uncovered her campaign to raise funds to buy the materials needed to continue the private search of Saddleworth Moor, where Keith's body still lies, after the police officially ended their hunt in July this year.
The 76-year-old spoke at length about her memories of the time Keith went missing in 1964, when Ian Brady and Myra Hindley abducted him, along with four other children, killing them and burying them in seperate shallow graves on the Moors. Keith remains the only body yet to be found.
"I've had a hell of a life. My life has been taken away from me," said Winnie, frankly. "All I want is for Brady to be alive when Keith's found. The longer he lives the better, because I can fight him."
The Sophie Lancaster story, the 20-year-old murdered in August 2007 whilst walking through Stubbeylee Park in Bacup with her boyfriend Robert Maltby, sparked massive media attention due to the violent and unprovoked nature of the attack.
Sylvia answered questions about the SOPHIE Foundation - the campaign set up to change the definition of 'hate crime' to include offences motivated by alternative appearances.
"The main aim is to change the hate crime legislation to include alternative subcultures," she explained. "However we don't think this will be possible, and think it will end up being 'lifestyle and dress code'."
At present, the legislation only covers hostility and prejudice towards disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and transgender.
The next event to raise money for the Keith Bennett Trust is a music festival at The Millpond, Stalybridge, on November 22. Many celebrities are due to perform, including ex-Coronation Street actor Scott Wright, and Casualty and Waterloo Road star Luke Bailey.
Like Winnie, Sylvia has campaigned to promote her cause through music, and welcomes people to get involved by setting up tribute gigs in Sophie's name.
When asked about the future, both women remained positive: "Next year is going to be our year," said Sylvia. "Keep your eyes open to see if there's any gigs near you."
Winnie revealed: "When he [Keith] is found, as well as a private service, I want a service for the public, so I can stand up and thank everybody for keeping me going and helping me find Keith."
For more information about the SOPHIE campaign, or to donate, visit: www.sophielancasterfoundat
For more information about the Keith Bennett Fund, and to book tickets for this month's music festival, visit: http://keithbennett.moonfr