We are thrilled to share that our founder, Teresa McCarthy-Dixon, has been officially presented with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding contribution to the Northamptonshire community. The presentation was made by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, at a special ceremony on Thursday 16th October at 78 Derngate, Northampton.
This incredible honour recognises Teresa’s tireless work through The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (TMDF), the charity she established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a small foodbank operating out of her pub, The Swan & Helmet, has grown into a registered charity supporting thousands of local people each month with food, essentials, wellbeing activities, and care services.
After the presentation, Teresa celebrated with her family, friends, TMDF trustees, staff, volunteers, clients, supporters, and sponsors at The Swan & Helmet. The evening was filled with good company, live music, and plenty of smiles as everyone came together to celebrate Teresa’s achievement and her service to the community.
Teresa reflected on the honour, saying:
“It still all feels very surreal! Of course I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a huge achievement, and I am so grateful to have the work we’ve done over the last five years, and beyond that, be recognised in such a significant way. This is really a testament to the efforts of everyone who’s been part of our journey, from our volunteers, staff, supporters and the incredible community who’ve supported us from day one. I’m just so proud of what we’ve built together, and so thankful for all the fantastic people who have helped make this possible.”
Originally from Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland, Teresa will also attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026 in recognition of this remarkable accomplishment.
The day was extra special as Teresa also marked 19 years as landlady of The Swan & Helmet, the very place where her community efforts began back in 2006.
About The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation
At TMDF, we’re proud to support thousands of people across Northamptonshire every month. Our work spans food distribution, wellbeing programmes, community social clubs, home and gardening renovation projects, and one-to-one support. Since Teresa founded the charity in 2020, we’ve partnered with over 90 schools and a wide network of community groups and service providers to reach vulnerable individuals and families across the county.
You can read Teresa’s story in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo here: https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/people/im-so-proud-of-what-weve-achieved-food-bank-charity-founder-receives-mbe-at-northampton-ceremony-5372539
To learn more about our work, visit https://mccarthydixon.org.uk/
To support our services, donations can be made via https://localgiving.org/charity/the-mccarthy-dixon-foundation or https://mccarthydixon.org.uk/donate-and-fundraise/
