Sue Wright, a formidable force in the realms of child protection and advocacy, has tragically passed away at the age of 57. Known for her unwavering commitment to fostering and adoption, Sue’s life was a testament to resilience, courage, and compassion. From her own challenging upbringing to becoming a respected barrister and businesswoman, she dedicated herself to giving a voice to those who often went unheard.
A Challenging Start
Born in Liverpool to Ann, a council worker, and John Sherman, who worked in logistics, Sue’s early life was marred by hardship. At just 16, she entered the foster care system, but the experience was far from stable. By 17, she found herself living in a Salvation Army-run facility, sharing a flat with another teenager and subsisting on a meagre allowance of £40 per week. It was during this time that she began working part-time in a nursing home in Southport. The owner, Mrs Smythe, welcomed her with open arms, famously stating, “There’s always more room at the table.” This phrase would later resonate through Sue’s advocacy work, encapsulating her belief in the importance of inclusion and support for families in need.
The Journey to Advocacy
Determined to change her circumstances, Sue pursued education with relentless fervour. Despite leaving school without qualifications, she enrolled in night school to earn O-levels, followed by a BTec in business studies and finance. Her ambition took her to Preston Polytechnic in the late 1980s, where she studied law. After relocating to London in the early 1990s, she balanced her studies with a job at Lehman Brothers, where colleagues amusingly mistook her bar exams for beauty college classes.
Returning to Merseyside in the late 1990s, Sue dedicated herself to fostering through Liverpool City Council for 16 years, caring for seven children while simultaneously establishing a successful career as a barrister focused on child protection. In 2021, she founded the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory company, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
A Legacy of Compassion
Sue Wright’s unwavering commitment to social justice extended beyond her professional life. She became a vocal advocate for fostering and adoption, passionately raising awareness about the urgent need for more carers. Her impactful speeches at conferences and corporate events often echoed her mantra of inclusivity: “There’s always more room at the table.”
Her dedication also extended to animal welfare; she was actively involved with rescue charities, notably Manchester Dogs Home, where her efforts contributed to raising £2.2 million for rebuilding following a devastating arson attack in 2014.
Just four months before her passing from cancer, Sue was honoured with a special commendation at the 2025 Women of the Year awards for her extraordinary contributions to children and families. In her final months, Sue campaigned vigorously for routine annual blood tests to be made available on the NHS, believing that early detection could have changed the outcome of her illness.
A Lasting Impact
Sue leaves behind her partner, Faisal Arif, her daughter Sonia, from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, along with her children Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley, her granddaughter Delilah, and her sister. Her legacy is one of empowerment, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice for those in need.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life and work underscore the critical importance of advocacy in social care. Her tireless efforts to amplify the voices of children and families in the fostering system highlight the profound impact that one individual can have in challenging societal norms and driving change. As we reflect on her contributions, we are reminded of the ongoing need for compassion and action in the realms of fostering, adoption, and social justice. Sue’s journey inspires a collective responsibility to ensure that every child is heard, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
