Sarah Woolnough

As CEO since December 2020, Sarah Woolnough has led newly-merged charity Asthma + Lung UK, through a hugely successful rebrand and strategy launch, while tackling a huge increase in demand from the millions of people across the UK living with a lung condition who were terrified about the impact of COVID-19.

Despite this huge surge in demand, and a challenging financial climate for the sector, Sarah has stepped up to the challenge and has steered the charity through its most successful year yet, supporting two million people through its online health advice and helpline service, securing huge campaign wins including further expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the approval of life-changing asthma drugs, investing in ground-breaking research, driving fundraising innovation and hugely improving staff morale – all while looking after four small children! Sarah demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and emotional intelligence. She has the people skills necessary to involve others - staff, stakeholders and people with lung conditions - in decision-making and strengthen team culture. She motivates and energises her team making individuals feel important to our overall success Everyone at Asthma + Lung UK is behind Sarah and believes she deserves Charity Leader of the Year award.