Board of Trustees

 
Michael McInerney, Chairman and Founder (pictured left) – The vision for the need for a Children’s Hospice within the area of North London/South Hertfordshire was born out of Michael’s experience with a close relative who died as a child on a general medical ward in hospital. In his commercial role, prior to becoming a healthcare operator, Michael was involved in property development. He now owns Brookdale Care, a private healthcare company providing both nursing and residential care for people with Autism in London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  
 
Dr Gail Allsopp, MBChB, MRCS, MRCGP – Gail’s involvement with the children’s hospice movement began earlier in her career – volunteering for Acorns Children’s Hospice when studying as a medical student in Birmingham! Having originally trained as a neurosurgeon and (following a brief diversion into acting!) now working in Palmers Green as GP, Gail brings valuable medical insight to the Board. With a passion for drama therapy, Gail’s clinical knowledge is combined with a genuine belief in supporting families through a range of holistic services.
 
John Dickie MIAS FFB MBEng - John worked for Peterborough Planning Department before leaving to set up John Dickie Associates, a private planning and architectural practice. Since the start of the nineties, the practice commenced work on developments in the healthcare sector and to date has handled over 60 such projects mainly for corporate healthcare clients. Having served on the Board since Noah’s Ark’s inception, John has been responsible for developing potential designs for the hospice.  
 
Rachel Naylor LLB Hons, Associate Chartered Institute of Bankers – Rachel worked as a banker in the City before requalifying as an employment lawyer in a London City practice. Having now taken a career break to bring up her two children, Rachel offers a wealth of experience in both financial and legal matters. Rachel has previous experience in the ‘not for profit’ sector through her work with the Junior Chamber of Commerce for London. Rachel joined the Board in September 2005 having supported a friend with a child suffering from a terminal illness.
 
Mary O’Toole - A resident of Barnet, Mary has over 30 years experience of working with the families of disabled and life-limited children, both through support charities which she helped to run and as a social worker at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. Mary recently retired from the Disabled Children’s Team in Barnet and acts as a part-time social worker for the Charity on a pro-bono basis.
 
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