Dedicated community advocate and charity founder Teresa McCarthy-Dixon was officially presented with her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, at a special ceremony held on Thursday 16th October, at 78 Derngate, Northampton. 

The award recognises Teresa’s “outstanding contribution to the Northamptonshire community” through her work with The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (TMDF), the charity she founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  What began as a small foodbank based out of her pub, The Swan & Helmet, has since grown into a registered charity supporting thousands of local people every month with food, essentials, wellbeing and care services. 

Following the presentation, Teresa joined her family, friends, TMDF trustees, staff, volunteers, clients, supporters and sponsors, to gather at The Swan & Helmet to celebrate this remarkable occasion. Guests enjoyed live music and an evening of tea, cake and laughter, as they raised a glass to Teresa’s achievement and her service to the community. 

Reflecting on the honour, Teresa said: 

“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.” 

Teresa, who is originally from Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland, will attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026 to mark her achievement. 

The day also marked another significant milestone for Teresa, who was celebrating 19 years as landlady of The Swan & Helmet – the pub where her community efforts first began in 2006. 

About The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation 

The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation is a Northamptonshire-based charity supporting thousands of people each month through food distribution, wellbeing programmes, community social clubs, home and gardening renovation projects and one-to-one support.  Founded by Teresa in 2020, TMDF partners with more than 90 schools, alongside a wide range of community groups and service providers, to support vulnerable individuals and families across Northamptonshire.  

To learn more about TMDF’s work, visit https://mccarthydixon.org.uk/   To support their services, donations can be made via https://localgiving.org/charity/the-mccarthy-dixon-foundation