Laura’s first professional career was in PR and communication in both the energy and higher education sectors where she specialised in issues and crisis management as well as strategic communications, public affairs and campaigning.

Laura’s second career is as an open water swimming coach and swimming teacher, working mainly with adults from beginners to triathletes at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham and at the lakes of the Cotswold Water park, offering cold water introductions in the winter and technical stroke improvement in the summer months.

She was inspired to train to teach people to swim when she read about the shocking gap in swimming attainment following Covid and the consequent pool closures. During her training, she was diagnosed with a neurological movement disorder, dystonia, which affects how she swims and has given her a very close-up understanding of what it means to make adaptations and adjustments both in daily life and swimming, with the realisation that swimming is adaptable, achievable and enjoyable despite physical challenges. Informed by her own experience, she feels enthused by Level Water’s ambitious goals for children and the positive full-life approach. 

She lives in Cheltenham with her husband and teenage twins. “I still love to participate in outdoor swimming events, though these days my goal is to complete not compete.”

Stuart has worked in the asset management industry for 20 years and been managing equity portfolios for over 15 years. He has significant experience in corporate governance, working closely with corporate boards to deliver improved outcomes for a wide range of stakeholders. He says that a lot has changed in that time, but the work is just as interesting as it was on his first day.

Stuart has been involved in Level Water since day 1. In fact, arguably he was involved before day 1, since he originally tasked our CEO, Ian Thwaites, to develop a sporting charity concept from scratch and then helped support him build the wonderful organisation we have today. Stuart is incredibly proud of what the whole team has achieved.

Stuart’s passion to launch Level Water was inspired by the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics games, where he saw first hand how large sporting events can inspire a generation (a phrase that is often met with a little scepticism). Stuart and Ian were both swept up in the euphoria of the feel-good vibe brought about by the games and both wanted to roll up their sleeves and try something and here we are 12 years later!

Stuart has two children, one of whom has additional needs, and so has first-hand experience of the systemic disadvantages that children can face.

Toby has a broad background covering corporate, consulting, scale up and startup organisations. Core competencies focus around sustainability, impact, strategy and systems thinking.  

Toby is a keen open water swimmer, having retired from professional triathlon. Having 2 children himself, he understands the importance of access to regular swimming and progression not just for water safety, but also for self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Toby is a father of two, Arya and Io, who are keen swimmers. Occasionally they’ll join him in the sea in summer, but they’re not yet tempted by winter open water!

Co-Lead, Applied Product Management at DeepMind

Head of Swimming and Sport at Places Leisure