Sue Wright, a devoted advocate for fostering and adoption, passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and tireless dedication to those without a voice. As a child protection barrister and a successful businesswoman, Sue’s life was marked by her commitment to uplift others while navigating her own challenging upbringing.
A Difficult Start
Born in Liverpool, Sue Wright faced adversity from an early age. Her childhood was fraught with difficulties, leading her into foster care at the age of 16. Unfortunately, this placement proved unsuitable, and by 17, she found herself residing in a Salvation Army-run facility, sharing a cramped flat with another teenager. With only £40 a week to live on, Sue’s early years were undoubtedly tough.
However, it was during this time that Sue began to forge her path. From 1982 to 1984, she worked part-time in a nursing home in Southport, where she was welcomed by Mrs Smythe, who famously declared, “There’s always more room at the table.” This sentiment resonated deeply with Sue and became a guiding principle in her life, encapsulated in the speech she delivered at numerous conferences, advocating for the urgent need for more foster carers and adoptive parents.
Determined to Make a Difference
Despite her challenging beginnings, Sue was resolute in her ambition to become a barrister, driven by a desire to represent those who could not advocate for themselves. After leaving school without formal qualifications, she took it upon herself to gain O-levels through college and night school. With a BTec in business studies and finance under her belt, she enrolled in law studies at Preston Polytechnic in the late 1980s.
In the early 1990s, Sue moved to London, where she juggled her studies for the bar exams while working at Lehman Brothers. At the time, her colleagues were unaware of her true aspirations, mistakenly believing she was preparing for beauty college exams.
A Life Spent Serving Others
Returning to Merseyside in the late 1990s, Sue began fostering for Liverpool City Council, caring for seven children over a span of 16 years. This work complemented her full-time role as a barrister specialising in child protection. In 2021, she founded the Harrogate Group, a property finance and advisory firm, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Sue earned recognition as one of the North of England’s foremost advocates for children. Her compassion extended beyond human welfare; she was also a passionate supporter of animal rescue charities. Notably, she played a significant role in raising £2.2 million to rebuild Manchester Dogs Home after it suffered from an arson attack in 2014.
In a poignant reflection of her impact, just four months before her untimely death from cancer, Sue was honoured with a commendation for her dedication to children and families at the 2025 Women of the Year awards. A staunch advocate for health reform, she campaigned for the introduction of routine annual blood tests on the NHS, believing that earlier detection could have changed the course of her illness.
A Loving Family Remembered
Sue leaves behind her partner, Faisal Arif, and her daughter Sonia, from her marriage to footballer Mark Wright, which ended in divorce. She is also survived by her other children—Ruth, Keira, Cory, and Miley—and her granddaughter, Delilah, alongside her sister, Hannah.
Her commitment to fostering and her legal career was a testament to her resilience and compassion, and her passing is felt deeply by all who knew her.
Why it Matters
Sue Wright’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for vulnerable children and her efforts to improve the fostering and adoption systems highlight the urgent need for societal change. In a world where many still face silence and neglect, Sue’s legacy of empathy and action will continue to inspire future generations to speak out and make a difference. Her story underscores the importance of compassion, perseverance, and the belief that everyone deserves a voice.
