Sue Wright, a resolute barrister and passionate advocate for fostering and adoption, passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a profound legacy of support for vulnerable children and families. Her journey, marked by personal challenges and triumphs, speaks to her unwavering commitment to ensure that those without a voice are heard and protected.
A Challenging Upbringing
Born in Liverpool, Sue was the daughter of Ann and John Sherman. Growing up in an environment that was less than nurturing, her early life experiences led to her entering foster care at the age of 16. Unfortunately, this placement proved to be unsuitable, and by 17, she found herself living in a Salvation Army-run facility, sharing a small flat with another young woman and relying on a meagre allowance of £40 per week.
It was during this challenging chapter that Sue began to carve out her path. From 1982 to 1984, she worked part-time in a nursing home in Southport, where the owner, Mrs. Smythe, provided her with a sense of belonging, famously saying, “There’s always more room at the table.” This sentiment resonated deeply with Sue and later inspired her impactful speeches at various conferences and corporate events, where she campaigned for increased awareness around fostering and adoption.
A Determined Advocate
Despite leaving school with no qualifications, Sue’s determination to become a barrister never wavered. She enrolled in night classes and worked diligently to earn her O-levels. With her sights set on law, she pursued a BTEC in business studies and finance, which eventually led her to study law at Preston Polytechnic in the late 1980s.
Relocating to London in the early 1990s, she juggled her studies with a job at Lehman Brothers, where her colleagues amusingly mistook her bar exams for beauty college coursework. After completing her bar exams, Sue returned to Merseyside and devoted herself to fostering for Liverpool City Council for 16 years. During this time, she cared for seven children while also building a successful career as a barrister, specialising in child protection law.
In 2021, she founded the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory company, further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading advocates in northern England.
A Heart for All Creatures
Sue’s compassion extended beyond human welfare; she was also a dedicated supporter of animal rescue charities, particularly Manchester Dogs Home. Her efforts there were instrumental in raising £2.2 million to rebuild the facility after it suffered from a devastating arson attack in 2014.
Her commitment to children’s welfare was recognised shortly before her passing when she received a special commendation at the 2025 Women of the Year awards for her tireless work with families. Tragically, Sue’s fight against cancer was cut short, but her advocacy continued until the end. She campaigned for NHS access to routine annual blood tests, believing that earlier diagnosis could have significantly altered her fate.
A Loving Family
Sue is remembered fondly by her family, including her partner Faisal Arif, her daughter Sonia from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, and her other children, Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley. She also leaves behind her granddaughter Delilah and her sister, who has cherished memories of their time together.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life serves as a powerful testament to resilience, compassion, and advocacy. Her journey from foster care to barrister and businesswoman underscores the importance of giving a voice to those who are often overlooked. By championing the causes of fostering, adoption, and child protection, Sue not only changed the lives of countless children but also inspired others to stand up for the vulnerable. Her legacy will continue to resonate, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.
