Spirited General who fought for the poor

If wars have their unknown warriors, whose sacrifice enlightens and inspires survivors, then Susie Smith should be celebrated as an unknown general in the global battle against poverty.

For three decades Smith, who died in Oxford last week aged 55, fought for the poor - first as a foot soldier in Africa and for the last 10 years as a compassionate and inspirational counsellor at Oxfam, the international developtment agency.

"Susie showed it was not possible to 'depoliticise' development," said a colleague, "and blew the old charity law out of the water. More than anybody, she embodied the spirit of Oxfam."