CEO
Sarah Swindley
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.
Nature watching
You'll often find Sarah exploring nature reserves and birdwatching.
Exploring
Sarah spends time exploring the Lake District and Scotland with her family.
Walking
When she's not working, she enjoys walks in the many beautiful woodlands in Cumbria.
Deputy CEO
Sarah Halliwell
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.
Wild swimming
If it's raining, snowing, windy or sunny you'll often find Sarah going for a wild swim.
Exploring the Lake District
Sarah takes every opportunity to explore the Lake District when she visits from her home near Liverpool.
Travel
When she's not working, Sarah takes every opportunity to explore in her campervan.
Monitoring and Impact Lead
Sarah Smith
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.
Wild Swimming
Sarah loves finding secret wild swimming spots in the Lake District.
Long-distance walking
You'll often find Sarah walking long-distance routes such as the Cumbrian Way.
Beachcombing
Sarah enjoys exploring the many lovely beaches in Cumbria with her family.
Head of Finance and Admin
Pam Purcell
Pam joined our team in 2015. She has over 35 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.
Exploring Scotland
Pam enjoys spending time exploring the wild areas of Scotland in her campervan.
Learning Spanish
Pam is currently learning to speak Spanish.
Cycling
You'll often find Pam going on adventures with her trusted electric bike- don't challenge her to a race...you probably won't win!
Fundraising Manager
Steve Tonkin
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.
First Responder
Phew! We can rest easy... we have a qualified First Responder on the team.
Swim Guide
Steve is a qualified swim guide and loves helping people explore the Lake District.
Walking on the fells with his dogs
Steve spends plenty of time walking on the fells with his rescue dog, Ted (who is very much part of the team).
Strategic Engagement & Corporate Partnership Lead
Anya Kuliszewski
Anya has over a decade of experience working in the nature conservation sector in Cumbria, with a focus on community engagement, fundraising and marketing. A keen bird watcher, walker and lover of the outdoors, she likes using her skills to connect people with the nature and heritage of the Lake District.
Birdwatching
Anya is a keen birdwatcher and loves exploring the nature reserves around Cumbria .
Walking
Anya loves going for big walks on a weekend- especially when they end in a pub!
Reading
During the cold and rainy Lake District winters, you'll often find Anya curled up with a good book- Kazuo Ishiguro is her favourite.
