Sue Wright, a passionate advocate for fostering and adoption, has passed away at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her life was a testament to resilience and commitment, marked by her work as a child protection barrister and her profound impact on the lives of countless children and families.
From Adversity to Advocacy
Born in Liverpool to Ann, a council worker, and John Sherman, who was employed in logistics, Sue’s early life was fraught with difficulties. By the age of 16, after an unhappy upbringing, she entered foster care, but her first placement did not last. At 17, she found herself in a Salvation Army-run establishment, living with a flatmate and surviving on a meagre allowance of £40 a week.
Despite these hardships, Sue’s spirit remained unbroken. During her time in Southport, she worked part-time in a nursing home owned by Mrs Smythe, who welcomed her with open arms, saying, “There’s always more room at the table.” This phrase resonated deeply with Sue and became a guiding principle for her life, shaping her mission to advocate for those who felt voiceless.
A Journey Through Education and Law
Determined to change her circumstances, Sue pursued an education against all odds. After leaving school without qualifications, she enrolled in night classes to gain O-levels and completed a BTec in business studies and finance while working at the nursing home. Her hard work paid off when she secured a place to study law at Preston Polytechnic in the late 1980s.
Relocating to London in the early 1990s, she juggled her bar exams with a job at Lehman Brothers, where colleagues amusingly mistook her legal studies for beauty college. After passing her bar exams, Sue returned to Merseyside, where she began a dual career as a barrister in child protection law and a foster carer for Liverpool City Council, nurturing seven children over 16 years.
Advocating for Change
Sue quickly gained a reputation as one of Northern England’s most dedicated advocates in her field. Her commitment extended beyond the courtroom; she was also a devoted supporter of animal welfare, particularly for rescue dogs. Her efforts in raising £2.2 million to rebuild Manchester Dogs Home following an arson attack in September 2014 showcased her compassionate nature.
In her final months, Sue was honoured with a special commendation at the 2025 Women of the Year awards for her tireless work with children and families. She passionately campaigned for NHS routine annual blood tests, believing that early diagnosis could have significantly altered her fight with cancer.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Sue leaves behind her partner, Faisal Arif, as well as her daughter, Sonia, from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, which ended in divorce. She is also survived by her children Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley, along with her granddaughter, Delilah, and her sister.
Her life, marked by both trials and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to many. Her unwavering dedication to fostering and adoption will continue to impact the lives of children and families for years to come.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s legacy is a poignant reminder of the power of advocacy and the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of others. Her determination to create a better world for children in need highlights the critical importance of fostering and adoption, bringing attention to a cause that deserves ongoing support and recognition. In celebrating her life, we are reminded of our responsibility to stand up for the voiceless, ensuring that their stories are told and their needs addressed.