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.  
 
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.
 
Jennifer Israel – A resident of Barnet, Jennifer was a Solicitor for nearly 40 years. Having spent the first twenty of these with a city firm, she then opened her own high street firm, where she worked for the remainder of her career. Jennifer was on the Law Society Council for 16 years, dealing with a variety of areas including the Discipline of Solicitors, Land Law, Race Relations and Constitutional Matters. She also has valuable experience of Charity Law.
 
Jeremy Isaacs – Jeremy joined the Board in 2009, having developed an interest in the services Noah’s Ark was delivering local to where he lives. Jeremy has an extensive background in the City’s financial world, having held senior positions with Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers, before going on to establish the JRJ Group. Jeremy brings valuable commercial experience to the Board and is well placed to further develop our connections with corporate and business professionals.
 
Mark Gomar – With experience in investment banking, and having served 6 years on the Board of Trinity Hospice, London, Mark joined the Board in 2009. Living in Hatfield, Mark is married with 4 children and is a graduate in Economics from Cambridge University. His experience as a trustee in the palliative care sector, together with his financial background, means he is able to offer relevant expertise to help Noah’s Ark move forward.
 
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