Message from John Reynolds, CEO of INF UK:

I have received the sad news that Dr Val Inchley OBE died suddenly in the early hours of Wednesday morning (21st August 2024).

Dr Val Inchley OBE, pictured in Nepal in 2010

Val was a stalwart of INF, serving in Nepal for an incredible 43 years. In 1967 she graduated in Medicine from the University of Liverpool and the following year God called her to work in Nepal. She filled a multitude of medical roles – including as INF’s Health Services Director – before starting Bible Yatra Nepal, a Bible training organisation, and then pioneering work amongst Nepali migrants, especially in South-East Asia and the Middle East.

In 1996, Val was awarded an OBE for ‘services to the British community and health care in Nepal’. In retirement, she was involved with Nepali migrants and her local church, whilst also remaining in touch with many Nepali friends. She continued to prayerfully support the work of INF and our other partners.

Val was staying with Judy Crook, an old friend from her INF days, last week. They were ready to go to church on Sunday morning when Val suddenly felt unwell. Judy took her to their local A&E Hospital in Chesterfield and she was then transferred by ambulance to Sheffield for further tests.

Judy was woken up in the early hours of Wednesday by the telephone, to be told that Val had died. It was very sudden as Val had been bright and cheerful during the day. In the night a nurse noticed a change in Val’s breathing and they tried resuscitation for some time but failed.

Though I know she has been promoted to heaven, as my father-in-law would say, I feel a personal sense of loss – Val was an incredible servant to Nepal and INF, and a good friend. She was also very kind and thoughtful, I well remember her having Bev, our girls and me around for tea in my early days with INF, showing us her OBE and photos from the Palace.