The Team
Sarah Swindley
Director
Sarah joined the Lake District Foundation from her previous role as CEO of Lancashire Women’s Centres where since 2011 she successfully developed the size, turnover and impact of the charity. She is excited to be taking on this new role at such an important time in the history of the Lake District.
Sarah Halliwell
Deputy CEO
Sarah joined the Lake District Foundation in 2023, bringing over 20 years’ senior leadership experience gained in roles across the tourism, environment, health, and sport sectors. Sarah is never happier than when immersed in a beautiful Lake District tarn washing away the stresses of life.
Sarah Smith
Monitoring & Impact
Sarah has a background in research, and brings 11 years of experience of sustainable tourism in the Lake District. Sarah is passionate about our natural environment and loves using data and case studies to bring the impact of the Lake District Foundation to life. In her spare time she enjoys spending time in nature with her children.
Pam Purcell
Finance Manager
Pam joined our team in 2015. She has over 30 years experience as a Finance Manager and loves making the figures balance. Pam swapped her California home for living in the beautiful Lake District where she enjoys walking, cycling and travelling around in her campervan.
Steve Tonkin
Fundraising Manager
Steve is our Fundraising Manager and all round fixer! Coming from the commercial sector he has a great knowledge of Online marketing and fundraising. He is an open water swimmer and loves spending most of his time in the mountains. He is our main fundraiser for Fix the Fells.
Liv Allport
Programme Manager
Liv joined the team in July 2022, bringing experience of grant funding and programme development. A passion for nature draws her to the Lake District and has influenced her work in the heritage sector. Liv loves walking her dog in the countryside and searching for the next hidden beauty spot.
Sandra Edmondson
Administration Officer
Sandra has worked for over 30 years, supporting the National Park. She joined the Lake District Foundation Team in 2017 and keeps everything running smoothly. Supporting our events and campaigns, and helping with the day to day running of the charity
Emily Hicks
Research Coordinator
Emily joined the team in 2023, initially supporting the delivery of the Low Carbon Grant Scheme. Currently, she is coordinating a project surrounding the newest National Trails. Studying biology at university, alongside her love of hiking, has made her enthusiastic about safeguarding the beauty and biodiversity of the natural world.
Char Binns
Communications & Engagement Lead
Char brings 15+ years third-sector experience to the team. After 6 years leading the UK’s longest running LGBTQIA arts and culture festival, Char relocated from Liverpool to Lancaster to spend more time in the hills, as a fell runner and hiker. Her favourite dog walk with her 3 floofs is at Fell Foot on Windermere.
Michele Parks
Trust & Grants Lead
Michele has 14 years’ experience as a Trust and Grants Fundraiser and charity lead. A qualified teacher, she has a lifetime’s love of the Lakes, spending her formative years in Lorton Vale. Michele’s charity experience includes poverty, disadvantage, homelessness and neurodiversity.