WasteAid pays tribute to former Director of Programmes Michelle Wilson

It is with great sadness that WasteAid must inform all of our friends, followers and funders of the passing of Michelle Wilson, WasteAid’s first Director of Programmes (2020-2025).

Michelle died peacefully surrounded by friends on Sunday 15th February 2026, following a relatively short but aggressive illness. It was in March 2025 that Michelle formally stepped down from WasteAid for health reasons. The WasteAid team are incredibly saddened at the loss of their former colleague and friend.

Michelle was a key part of WasteAid’s evolution and success. She was totally committed and brought drive, passion and talent to the role.

WasteAid’s CEO, Ceris Turner-Bailes, said: “Whilst this day was not unexpected, I am incredibly sad to receive the news. Michelle and I worked closely over five years to develop WasteAid, the organisation and its programmes. She cared so much about her team, colleagues and of course those benefitting from our work. Michelle is leaving a wonderful legacy, her work has supported so many marginalised people to improve their livelihoods through the circular economy and reduced waste pollution in the communities where we work. She was the main architect of our hugely successful Wastepreneur programme and I am forever grateful that she was a part of our team and cherish the memories of our shared successes and challenges.”

Philip Sentamu, WasteAid’s Project Manager in Uganda, shared: “My interactions with Michelle were marked by guidance, strategic insight, and encouragement. She helped me navigate so many challenges and hurdles. Her counsel strengthened my confidence and sharpened my approach. Much of what I learned from her has directly shaped how I have worked over the past two years. I am grateful to have benefited from Michelle’s wealth of knowledge and experience. She invested in people, and that investment will continue to bear fruit for many years to come.”

WasteAid Project Officer Jojo Sawa was supported by Michelle from her work as a volunteer, through to becoming a member of the WasteAid team in The Gambia. She added: “I joined WasteAid as a volunteer, that’s when I met Michelle and benefitted from her support. I later had the privilege of working with her as a colleague – she was a dear mentor and friend, and will be missed very much.”

Finally, Dr Jonathan Straight, Chair of the Board of Trustees of  WasteAid, said: “Michelle made a hugely valuable and unique contribution to the development of our programmes, work which will continue as a fitting legacy for someone whose pioneering work delivered real change to some of the poorest communities in the world. We will all miss her terribly. On behalf of the board, we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

The funeral and celebration of Michelle’s life will be held at St Paul’s Church, 129 Herne Hill, London SE24 9LY at 1pm on Wednesday 11th March, followed by refreshments in the welcome space at the church.  All are welcome to attend, there is also planned a live link for those who are unable to attend in person.  Please contact Ceris personally or any member of the WasteAid team if you would like further information, to attend the funeral or the live link.