Sue Wright, a passionate advocate for fostering and adoption, has passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion and resilience. Known for her unwavering commitment to those without a voice, Sue was not only a distinguished child protection barrister but also a successful businesswoman who dedicated her life to raising awareness about the importance of fostering and child welfare.
A Challenging Start
Born in Liverpool to Ann, a council worker, and John Sherman, who worked in logistics, Sue’s early life was marked by hardship. At the age of 16, she entered foster care, but her placement was not a success. By 17, she found herself living in a Salvation Army-run facility, sharing a flat with another young resident and surviving on a meagre allowance of £40 a week. Despite these challenges, Sue’s spirit was unbroken. Between 1982 and 1984, she worked part-time in a nursing home in Southport, under the welcoming guidance of Mrs Smythe, who famously said, “There’s always more room at the table.” This became Sue’s guiding principle, inspiring her speeches at various conferences aimed at encouraging more people to become foster carers and adoptive parents.
Pursuing Her Dreams
Determined to change her circumstances, Sue left school without qualifications but was resolute in her ambition to become a barrister. She juggled multiple jobs to finance her education, attending night classes to earn O-levels and later pursuing a BTEC in business studies and finance. Her relentless work ethic led her to Preston Polytechnic, where she studied law in the late 1980s. After relocating to London in the early 90s, Sue managed to complete her bar exams while also working at Lehman Brothers, where her colleagues amusingly mistook her legal studies for beauty college courses.
Making a Difference
In the late 90s, Sue returned to Merseyside, where she fostered for Liverpool City Council for 16 years, caring for seven children while simultaneously building her career as a barrister specialising in child protection. In 2021, she founded the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory firm, further solidifying her status as one of the North of England’s leading advocates.
Sue’s dedication extended beyond human welfare; she was also a staunch supporter of various animal rescue charities, notably Manchester Dogs Home. Her efforts contributed significantly to the £2.2 million raised to rebuild the home following an arson attack in September 2014.
Recognition and Advocacy
Just four months before her untimely death from cancer, Sue was honoured with a special commendation at the 2025 Women of the Year awards for her tireless work in child protection and family welfare. A fierce advocate for better healthcare, she campaigned for routine annual blood tests to be made available on the NHS, believing that early diagnosis could have potentially saved her life.
Sue leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply with all who knew her. She is survived by her partner, Faisal Arif, her daughter Sonia, from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, which ended in divorce, as well as her children Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley, and her granddaughter, Delilah.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life serves as a profound reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Her work not only transformed the lives of countless children in foster care but also sparked vital conversations about the systemic changes needed in child welfare and healthcare. As we remember Sue, we are called to continue her mission of compassion, fostering, and advocating for a better future for all vulnerable individuals in our society. Her unwavering spirit and dedication will inspire generations to come.
