About Richard McCarthy

Chapter 1: A Remarkable Origin
In a time marked by uncertainty and secrecy, Richard's journey began with an extraordinary tale. His mother, born in 1941 in a mother and baby unit in Newport, Wales, had a tumultuous start in life, being born to an unmarried mother who had an affair with a married man in the air force. At just six weeks old, Richard's mother was adopted by her maternal grandparents, who raised her as their own child, keeping the truth hidden until she was 32. Richard's great-grandfather, a formidable police officer who patrolled the docks alone, was known for dishing out instant justice. Upon retiring, he found solace in working as a caretaker and verger at St. Mary's Church in Reading, Berkshire, where Richard's family later settled. His upbringing was steeped in tales of resilience and strength.

Chapter 2: Love Finds Its Way
Life took a turn when Richard's mother, attending Kendrick School, met his father in the Bear Public House, now the Water Tower Restaurant, in 1961. She was 19, he was 23, and their love story became one for the ages. Despite initial skepticism from her family, they married later that year, beginning their journey together. Richard's father, born in County Cork, Ireland, was the second of nine children in a family steeped in poverty. Despite a lack of formal education, he left home at the age of 14 and traveled to Wales, where he found work as a builder's laborer, eventually running building sites by the age of 16. His determination and work ethic led him to cross paths with Richard's mother, and he decided to stay in Reading.

Chapter 3: Building a Life Together
Marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter for Richard's parents. They worked tirelessly, with his father excelling in the construction industry and even owning a second-hand car accessory shop that Richard's mother managed single-handedly. Their endeavors led to the acquisition of a scrap yard and car breakers yard. The family lived in derelict houses that Richard's father refurbished and sold, steadily climbing the property ladder. Despite the hard work, they flourished and enjoyed a loving marriage that spanned 53 years. Tragically, Richard's father passed away in 2014 due to cancer.

Chapter 4: Richard's Early Years
Richard, born in September 1971, grew up alongside his four sisters. School was a challenge, leading him to leave at the age of 14. He found solace working with his father, who was heavily involved in antiques, cars, and scrap metal. Years later, in his early 40s, Richard received a life-altering diagnosis, learning he had autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. These revelations shed light on his difficulties in school and his struggles with fitting in.

Chapter 5: A Path of Resilience
Despite his early challenges, Richard's father supported him in purchasing his first house at the age of 17, igniting a lifelong passion for property investment. Father and son worked together to refurbish properties until Richard's own business was established. The family home served as collateral for his initial loans, and their dedication led to success, now owning and managing hundreds of properties. Richard delved into various endeavours, including martial arts instruction, boxing, and heavy weightlifting, until a mental breakdown forced him to halt these pursuits. Throughout his life, he generously donated to numerous charities and helped his family secure homes, often refurbishing them himself.

Chapter 6: A Retreat and Renewal
In 2016, Richard purchased Manor Farm, seeking solace for his mental health. He eventually built four houses on the property, using it as a sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, he found comfort in the serenity of the farm and decided to share it with others.

Chapter 7: Giving Back
Throughout his life, Richard remained committed to giving back to the community. He supported numerous charities, including those for veterans, homelessness, cancer research, and mental health. His philanthropic efforts extended to donating vehicles, sponsoring sports teams, and actively engaging with local initiatives. Richard's remarkable journey from a family of humble beginnings to a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the capacity for one person to make a significant impact on the lives of many.