Sue Wright, who passed away at the age of 57, leaves behind a profound legacy as a champion for fostering and adoption, as well as a distinguished career as a child protection barrister. Her life story is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication to those who often go unheard.
A Challenging Upbringing
Born in Liverpool to Ann and John Sherman, Sue faced significant challenges early in life. Her childhood was marked by turmoil, leading her to enter foster care at the age of 16. However, this placement proved difficult, and by 17, she found herself in a Salvation Army-run establishment, sharing accommodation with another young resident. Living on a meagre £40 a week, Sue began to carve out a path for herself, working part-time in a nursing home in Southport. It was here that she encountered a supportive figure in Mrs Smythe, who encouraged her with the words, “There’s always more room at the table.” This sentiment became a guiding principle for Sue and a phrase she often shared in her advocacy work.
The Road to Law
Determined to reshape her future, Sue set her sights on becoming a barrister. Despite leaving school without qualifications, she pursued education earnestly. Balancing her responsibilities at the nursing home with her studies, she earned O-levels and a BTec in business studies and finance. In the late 1980s, she enrolled in law at Preston Polytechnic (now the University of Central Lancashire), a pivotal step in her journey.
After moving to London in the early 1990s, Sue completed her bar exams while working at Lehman Brothers, where her colleagues humorously mistook her legal pursuits for beauty college training. This unique combination of experiences fortified her resolve to advocate for the vulnerable.
Championing Fostering and Child Protection
In the late 1990s, Sue returned to Merseyside, where she fostered for Liverpool City Council for 16 years, caring for seven children in total. Her commitment to child protection paralleled her work as a barrister, where she established herself as one of the leading advocates in northern England. In 2021, she founded the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory company, further exemplifying her entrepreneurial spirit.
Sue’s compassion extended beyond children; she was also a passionate supporter of animal rescue initiatives. Notably, she played a crucial role in raising £2.2 million to rebuild Manchester Dogs Home after it suffered from an arson attack in 2014. Her activism was rooted in a genuine desire to give a voice to those in need.
A Lasting Impact
Just four months before her death from cancer, Sue was honoured with a special commendation at the 2025 Women of the Year awards for her tireless work with children and families. She was a staunch advocate for health improvements, campaigning for routine annual blood tests on the NHS, believing that earlier detection of her illness could have altered her fate.
Sue is survived by her partner, Faisal Arif, her daughter Sonia from her previous marriage to footballer Mark Wright, and her other children, Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Delilah, and a sister who admired her deeply.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life was a vivid illustration of how personal trials can transform into powerful advocacy. Her unwavering dedication to fostering, child protection, and community service has inspired many and will continue to resonate within the realms of social care and legal advocacy. Sue’s legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations, encouraging others to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Her story reminds us of the profound impact one individual can make in the lives of many.
