Who we are
Welcome to Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust
Where compassion and expertise converge to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and their families facing challenging times.
In the heart of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), a significant challenge confronts many: the lack of resources when facing life-limiting illnesses. The healthcare system in the entire region is underdeveloped, and healthcare delivery is patchy. Cancer is the leading cause of death, and the mortality rate of cancer sufferers in the OPT is a shocking 7 out of every 10 patients, double of that in the UK. This is due to the late stage that people receive their first diagnosis, and at this point palliative care is urgent, for the young as well as the elderly.
During a visit to Bethlehem in 2010, a group of individuals who are now Trustees witnessed firsthand the deprivation and struggles faced by many in the community. Inspired by their experience and subsequent visits that highlighted ongoing challenges, they recognised the acute lack of resources.
Initially, they set up a charity to support local men and women, but the pressing need for specialised palliative treatment soon became apparent. In 2018, the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust was established, with a primary focus on providing desperately needed specialist medical care within the community
We are the only organisation in the OPT providing these essential services. Since our establishment, we have set up a dedicated medical care service, delivering personalised treatment to people living with terminal illness and support to their families. Our patients are of all ages and backgrounds; at the time of writing our youngest patient is 2 years old and our oldest is aged 85.
We believe that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves to be treated with compassion and provided with the highest quality of care, so they can live out the remainder of their lifetime with dignity and in comfort.
This is the essence and at the heart of our organisation and is reflected beautifully in our mission statement written by our founder, Joe McNally:
“Providing compassionate palliative care in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; life before death matters”.
The need for hospice care is great…
Our Trustees
Behind the mission and success of the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust are our esteemed trustees, a group of dedicated individuals who selflessly serve as the guiding force for our organisation. Committed to the highest standards of governance and compassion, our trustees play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, ensuring the effective management of resources, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability. Everything they do for the charity is entirely pro-bono, they are our Superhero-Volunteers!
Each trustee brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and experiences to the table, creating a dynamic team that works harmoniously to advance our mission. They possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating illness, grief, and end-of-life journeys, and are driven by a shared commitment to providing compassionate care and support.
Our trustees are responsible for charting the strategic direction of the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust, making informed decisions that enable us to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing landscape. Through their dedication, they ensure that our service remains responsive and effective, consistently upholding the highest standards of care and excellence.
They have been and continue, to perform this remarkable act of kindness and positive action to their fellow humans, in a part of world where it is needed the most. They are an example to us all and we thank them most sincerely for their dedicated service.
Professor Philip Hopkins
Chair of the Board & Clinical Governance
Joe McNally
Founder & President
Philomena McNally
Founder & Trustee
Rev Fr Augustine O’Reilly
Founder & Trustee
John Booth
Trustee
Siobhan Doran
Trustee
Fiona Goodhart
Trustee
Dr Jacoub Sleibi
Trustee
Alexis Tucker
Trustee
Rev Fr Martin Kelly
Trustee
John Walsh
Trustee
Caroline Walsh
Trustee
Our Patrons
The Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust is honoured to have the unwavering support of our esteemed patrons, individuals and organisations who share our passion for compassionate care and make a profound difference in the lives of those in need. These remarkable individuals serve as beacons of hope, inspiring our community and championing our mission to provide comfort, dignity, and support during life’s most challenging moments.
Our patrons are advocates for our cause, using their influence and resources to raise awareness and rally support for our programs and services. Through their philanthropy, they enable us to expand our reach, ensuring that no one faces the complexities of illness, grief, or end-of-life journeys alone. Their generosity strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive care and support, free of charge, to those who need it most.
Our patrons embody the values that define the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust: empathy, respect, and a deep belief in the power of human connection. They stand alongside us, fostering a culture of compassion and kindness, and encouraging others to do the same. Their involvement ensures that our organization remains a beacon of hope and support, creating lasting legacies of care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
Cardinal Arthur Roche
Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Rt Reverend John Keenan
Bishop of Paisley, Scotland
Rt Reverend Ralph Heskett
C.Ss.R. Bishop of Hallam, Sheffield
Most Reverend
John Sherrington
Archbishop of Liverpool
Baroness Winterton
of Doncaster
DBE, M.P.