Chair - Derek Moss

Derek has run multiple businesses and supported a range of community bodies / charities in the region for many years.  Derek was brought in as Chair during 2007 with the move from Monkwearmouth Hospital to the building of the new Hospice at Ryhope.   Derek was President for some years at the Rotary Club, as well as serving as a local Magistrate.

“I have invited each of our Trustees tell you a little about their professional background and what attracted them to becoming a Trustee with the Charity.”

Vice Chair - Janice Bray

Jan previously worked as Executive Director of the County Durham Careers Service.  In this role, Jan gained considerable insight into public sector work.  Jan contributed her knowledge from this role to the privatisation of the Careers Service, which through a national tendering process, increased the service’s turnover threefold.  Jan first became involved with St Benedict’s Hospice volunteering in administration and now continues to volunteer in the bistro at the Hospice.

“I first encountered St Benedict’s Hospice when my sister chose to spend her final days here, and she was calm and peaceful, well treated by clinical staff and volunteers. Peacefulness is one of the key areas that many of our patients and their families desire and her husband and son as well as me, her only sister, were treated well and encouraged to stay with her. Although we were able to contribute a significant amount of money at the time, I wanted to contribute more.  After initially volunteering in the Hospice, I was encouraged to apply as a Trustee.  It’s a privilege to be a Trustee, to work alongside other Trustees and to seek solutions to issues which enhance the comfort of patients using the Hospice”

Trustee - Lisa Alcorn

Lisa is the Chief Operating Officer of a leading national charity, where she oversees a wide-ranging portfolio of responsibilities. As the Nominated Individual to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), she ensures the highest standards of quality and compliance across her charity where services are rated good or outstanding. Her remit also includes driving financial sustainability, strengthening governance frameworks, growth and development, and serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer and Caldicott Guardian.

“My commitment to person-centred care is both professional and personal, shaped by my brother’s experience at St Benedict’s Hospice. I am dedicated to supporting its mission and sustainability, bringing expertise in governance and operational leadership as a trustee.”

Trustee - Dr Martin Walker

Having served the Ryhope community as a GP for most of his career, Martin also served as Lead GP with fund holding and was Chair of the Sunderland Primary Care Group.

“Following my retirement I was invited to join the St Benedict’s Board of Trustees to bring my experience in the NHS and health services by the then Chair.”

Trustee - Marie Bainbridge

Marie brings many years of experience having worked in Finance, IT and Admin.

“The first thing I gave to St Benedict’s was my heart, for the kindness and professional care given to my beloved Mom.  All my dedication since has been to give as much as I can of my time and experience from these fields of work, in order to help continue the amazing work that St Benedict’s brings to others in need.”

Trustee - Stephen Foster

Stephen is a semi-retired pharmacist, having served the local community for 48 years. Stephen continues as the pharmacy coordinator for the Out Of Hours palliative care service and works closely with the team from the hospice.

“My late cousin was an in-patient at St Benedict’s and received outstanding care there.

 It is an honour to serve as a trustee at St. Benedict’s.”

Trustee - Maureen Wren

Maureen’s background is in teaching, having worked as a primary teacher for both Sunderland and Durham local authorities.  Maureen has served as a school governor for more than ten years and is currently Chair of Governors for a local primary school.

On retirement, Maureen became a volunteer driver for St Benedict’s and has served in this role for the past eight years and also helps with fundraising activities whenever possible.

“When visiting friends being nursed at St Benedict’s, I saw the outstanding care and dedication of the staff and decided that I would support this amazing charity and became a Trustee in 2024.”

Trustee - Joanne Williams

Joanne is an Accountant with experience also of HR, Governance and Coaching. Joanne has worked in Local Authorities, Social Housing and Higher Education, and now self-employed, Joanne supports apprentices to train to become Accountants in the Public Sector.

“I wanted to give something back to St Benedict’s as I received excellent bereavement support after my dear Dad was cared for at the hospice in 2021. I initially volunteered with the Fundraising Team and decided to become a Trustee having seen the amazing work carried out by the Charity’s staff and the Trustees.”