Susan Mitchell – 1s, 7s 47-56. Treasurer of Christ’s Hospital Foundation 96 – 02

Submitted by Susannah Holliman

In Loving Memory of Susan Mary Mitchell
(née Hamilton) 1938 – 2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Susan Mary Mitchell on 23 June 2025,
aged 86. Known also as Sue, she leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy, vision, and enduring
commitment to publishing, education and social mobility.

Born in 1938 in Isleworth, Sue’s early life was shaped by loss — her father, Basil Hamilton, was
killed in action in 1943 — and by the opportunities offered to her as the daughter of a war widow
attending Christ’s Hospital, Hertford. Her time at the school instilled in her a love of both
learning and a deep drive to fulfil what Christ’s Hospital calls ‘The Charge’ — that each person
must give back according to their means. Following her financial success, she upheld this
charge wholeheartedly, becoming a defining example of its principles.

She enjoyed a distinguished career in the publishing industry, beginning at Foyles before going
on to senior roles at Thames & Hudson and Condé Nast. In 1966, she joined Hamlyn
Publishing, where she worked closely with Paul Hamlyn before co-founding Octopus
Publishing with him in 1981 and serving as its first Managing Director. Her leadership helped establish Octopus as one of the UK’s best-known illustrated publishers at the time. She went
on to become the first Chair of Quadrille Publishing.

Her professional success allowed her to live out her deepest values. In gratitude for her
education, Sue founded The Sue Thomson Foundation, donating nearly half her wealth to
provide life-changing bursaries for disadvantaged children. The Foundation was – and – remains unique in its approach to supporting Christ’s Hospital ‘Presentees’, valuing not only the funding of
school fees but also the vital role of building strong, personal relationships with those it
supports.

Her service to Christ’s Hospital was remarkable. Elected to the Council of Almoners in 1987,
she went on to become the school’s first female Treasurer in its 500-year history, serving from
1996 to 2002. She led the “100 Years On” Appeal, raising £5 million for the vital redevelopment
of two boarding houses whilst promoting expanded bursary provision. Additionally, she was
instrumental in pioneering the Blue Fund, which has since raised more than £13 million. As one
colleague reflected: “Sue was, quite simply, one of Christ’s Hospital’s greatest champions:
determinedly transformative and deeply committed to the cause of social mobility.”

She was hugely respected and admired by hundreds of people, from publishing peers to
generations of Christ’s Hospital Old Blues. She is remembered for her sharp mind, generous
heart, and the quiet strength that inspired all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Susannah and three grandchildren — Max, Charlie, and
Christina — with Charlie having continued the family’s connection to Christ’s Hospital.
A devoted mother, grandmother, friend, publisher, and philanthropist, Sue’s legacy lives
on in the countless lives she changed for the better.

Under the Chairmanship of her daughter Susannah, the Foundation continues her work in her memory, upholding and encompassing all that she valued.

Service of Thanksgiving for Susan Mitchell 

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Susan Mitchell will be held in the CH Chapel at 2pm on Saturday 20th September. Please contact development@christs-hospital.org.uk if you would be interested in attending.