SalfordOnline join Hayley Cropper on Coronation Street

by Tom Rodgers

Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh has launched an appeal to find young creative writers across the northwest - to help remember a girl who was murdered.

Julie, who plays Hayley in Corrie, and her husband, Channel 4 writer Ian Kershaw, launched the Sophie Lancaster Creative Writing Competition this week.

Three years ago, Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend, Rob Maltby, were savagely beaten by a gang of youths, in Bacup, Lancashire, because they dressed as goths.

Sophie died from her injuries in hospital, and her mother Sylvia set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance, Everywhere (S.O.P.H.I.E).

Julie and Ian are supporting the Foundation to help young people "express their creativity and individuality."

The theme of the writing appeal is 'Difference' and Julie is hoping to hear from young writers who may not be top of their class but have something to say.

The finalists of the competition will be chosen by a panel of judges from TV, theatre, music, poetry and literature.

Julie said:
"Through this competition we want to inspire young people to be creative and ensure that issues of prejudice and tolerance are openly discussed in schools."

"I am a trained youth worker and I know the positive effect that schemes like this can have on schools.

The contest is open to secondary school students in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and Blackburn and Julie promises to come to a school in Salford to help raise awareness of the appeal.

The winning school will receive £1,000 with £100 going to the successful student.

For more information on the Sophie Lancaster Foundation visit the website below.

Category:

Education

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• hayley
• coronation street
• julie hesmondhalgh
• sophie lancaster
• salford school
• salfordonline
• writing
• creative
• shameless