As Mayor, Julie will attend hundreds of events in Charnwood, and several months into the post, she has already been doing just that. On campus, she attended the Action Community Fun Day in May and took part in the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.
She is well-prepared for the position having been involved in fundraising activities throughout her career as well as a . In 2006, Julie was awarded her MBE in Queens Honours List for Services to Swimming and Charity. She met the then Prince Charles as she collected her award. The University also recognised her achievement and awarded her an Honorary Degree the same year.
She studied for her bachelor’s, PGCE and master's degrees at Loughborough in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Julie also lectured at the University for nearly 16 years before becoming a life coach.
Julie’s career journey is marked by several noteworthy accomplishments, including:
- Being nominated for the Sunday Times Inspiration Award for her swimming and charitable fundraising.
- Induction into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, 2007
- Swimming the English Channel as a 15-year-old in 1979 then 23 years later (5th Aug 2002, 14hrs 18mins) swam it solo doing butterfly stroke. She still holds the World Record.
- Gaining another record in 2011doing butterfly stroke around Manhattan Island (28.5miles)
Julie expressed her pride in becoming Mayor, stating:
What makes it extra special is being appointed as Mayor in Charnwood’s 50th year. It will be a huge honour to meet lots of different people who do so much in our community.”
She has chosen Living Without Abuse (LWA) and Dogs Trust Loughborough as her two charities for 2024/2025.