The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (TMDF) marked a major milestone this summer with the successful completion of its Northampton to Belmullet Charity Cycle, which raised over £65,000 for community organisations in Northamptonshire and County Mayo.

The ambitious challenge saw a team of cyclists from the UK and Ireland set off from The Swan & Helmet in Northampton on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, with the goal of reaching Belmullet, Co. Mayo, in just six days. Covering more than 700km across three countries, the ride was as much about community spirit as endurance, with all proceeds shared between TMDF and six charitable organisations in Belmullet.

Cyclists set off from the Swan & Helmet, on Saturday 2nd August, marking the beginning of their incredible journey.

Each stage of the journey was defined by remarkable support.  On the most demanding day, riders covered more than 170km from Trim, Co. Meath, to Lisacul, Co. Roscommon.  Gardaí (Ireland’s national police force) provided an escort into the village of Lisacul, where the cyclists were met with a warm reception where locals gathered at the roadside and outside Creaton’s Bar with signs, applause, and plenty of encouragement.  Earlier in the summer, Suzanne and Eva Roddy had organised a barbecue fundraiser at Creaton’s Bar, rallying the community and raising more than £7,000 in support of the challenge.

Outside Creaton’s Bar in Lisacul, where the amazing local community came together to raise over £7,000 in support of TMDF and six Belmullet charities.

Further inspiration came in County Mayo, where Deane Roofing & Cladding welcomed the cyclists to their Kilkelly headquarters.  The long-time supporters of TMDF presented a donation of £16,670, adding to the fundraising total and reinforcing the strong ties between the charity and the local community.

Family, friends, and supporters gathered at Deane Roofing & Cladding’s Kilkelly headquarters, where the long-time supporters of TMDF presented an incredible donation of £16,670.

The journey reached its emotional high point on Thursday, 7th August, when the cyclists crossed the finish, line arriving in Belmullet.  Gardaí once again provided a proud escort, leading the riders on a victory loop of Carter Square before they were welcomed on stage to rapturous applause.  TMDF founder Teresa McCarthy-Dixon expressed her gratitude to the cyclists, sponsors, and supporters.  She also paid special thanks to Paul Deane and Anthony Dixon, whose support and dedication were instrumental in bringing the challenge to life.  Mayo County Council’s Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean Carey, also spoke and confirmed that 25% of the total raised would be shared among six local charities.

Those charities included Erris Youth Disability Network, Erris Heartbeat Defibrillator Committee, Erris Family & Community Support Centre, Cara Iorrais Cancer Support, North West STOP, and CLG Béal an Mhuirthead GAA Club.  Later that evening, at O’D’s Bar, cheques were presented to each organisation in celebration of the achievement.

The cycling team were welcomed in Belmullet as they crossed the finish line of their remarkable journey, before later joining TMDF Founder and Operations Manager, Teresa McCarthy-Dixon, on stage to celebrate the achievement.

The Northampton to Belmullet Cycle Challenge demonstrated not only the endurance of its riders, but also the generosity of communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.  From Northamptonshire to Mayo, every mile travelled reflected the shared commitment to making a lasting difference.

If you would like to support this worthy cause, please consider making a donation via the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/northamptontobelmulletcycle2025