Sue Wright, who passed away at the age of 57, was a passionate barrister and advocate dedicated to raising awareness around fostering and adoption. Her own challenging upbringing ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting those who lack a voice, making her a beacon of hope for many.
From Adversity to Advocacy
Born in Liverpool, Sue faced a turbulent childhood that ultimately led her into foster care at the age of 16. Unfortunately, her initial placement did not succeed, and by 17, she found herself living in a Salvation Army-run establishment alongside a flatmate, both surviving on a meagre weekly allowance of £40. Despite these hardships, Sue’s resilience shone through. During these formative years, she secured part-time work cooking and cleaning at a nursing home owned by Mrs Smythe, who welcomed her with open arms. “There’s always more room at the table,” Mrs Smythe would say, a phrase that would become Sue’s guiding mantra as she later campaigned for more foster carers and adoptive parents.
Determined to change her circumstances, Sue pursued education with tenacity. She completed O-levels through evening classes while balancing her job, followed by a BTec in business studies and finance. Her passion for justice led her to study law at Preston Polytechnic in the late 1980s.
A Flourishing Career in Law
Sue’s journey took her to London in the early 90s, where she completed her bar exams while working at Lehman Brothers. Her colleagues were surprised to learn she was not studying for beauty college exams, as they often joked. This was the beginning of a remarkable career that would see her become one of the leading child protection barristers in the north of England.
In the late 90s, Sue returned to Merseyside, where she fostered for Liverpool City Council for 16 years, caring for a total of seven children. She managed to balance this demanding role with her legal career, where she specialised in child protection. In 2021, she took the entrepreneurial leap to establish the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory company, further diversifying her impressive portfolio.
A Lifelong Commitment to Animals and Community
Sue’s compassion extended beyond children; she was also a fervent supporter of animal rescue charities. Notably, she played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts for Manchester Dogs Home, helping to raise £2.2 million to rebuild the facility after it was devastated by an arson attack in September 2014. Her commitment to welfare, both for children and animals, exemplified her belief in giving a voice to the voiceless.
Just months before her untimely passing from cancer, Sue was recognised with a commendation for her significant contributions to children and families at the 2025 Women of the Year awards. She was also a passionate advocate for health reform, campaigning for routine annual blood tests to be made available on the NHS, convinced that early detection could have saved her life.
Remembering Sue Wright
Sue leaves behind her partner, Faisal Arif, her daughter Sonia from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, along with her other children—Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley—and her granddaughter, Delilah. Her legacy as a champion for the vulnerable will continue to inspire many who knew her and those who will learn of her story.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life is a poignant reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Her unwavering dedication to fostering, advocacy, and community service not only changed the lives of many children but also inspired countless others to take action. In a world where many struggle to find their voice, Sue’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of standing up for those in need.
