Julie Weston

Trustee

I live in Cornwall moments from the South West Coast Path and walk on it every week with our dog and family or friends. It’s become one of the most important places for me to spend time – for its vast land and seascapes, the physical challenge in places and the benefits of being in both a green and blue space. It has also become a memory-maker: my mum’s favourite outing, when she was declining with dementia, was to walk on the coast path near Godrevy Lighthouse and it became essential for our mental health.

I’ve lived and worked in many parts of the world with my family including on islands in Asia and the USA always seeking out places to hike and be by the sea.

In my career I have been a leader in fundraising for international and national organisations. This has ranged from being the Deputy Executive Director at UNICEF UK leading a team to increase income from £30 million to £100 million in 5 years. I have also worked for or been an adviser to Greenpeace, WWF, WaterAid, Oxfam, UNHCR, Save the Children and the World Food Programme. I have been responsible for fundraising from individuals, companies and foundations. I am now an accredited executive and leadership coach and coach or mentor senior leaders in the not-for-profit sector. I also serve on the board of Board of Médecins Sans Frontières UK.

I’m bringing my professional experience to the SWCPA at a time when the needs are growing to secure vital funds for the organisation. More extreme weather is increasing the costs of maintaining the path and protecting the wildlife corridor.

My motivation to volunteer as a trustee of the SWCPA in 2026 is to help preserve the UK’s original coast path trail for future generations.