Helen McArdle CBE

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Helen McArdle CBE is best known for her work in the care industry, having founded Helen McArdle Care in the 1980s later followed by Kids 1st Nurseries. Helen has built and operated more than 50 care homes, as well as a group of pre-school nurseries and dedicated her life to providing outstanding care and support for older people and young children.

Helen, along with her husband and four children, has used her extensive business experience to make a positive difference to causes in which she believes. Helen’s philanthropic journey began with a Community Foundation fund in her name and since then she has donated more than £10 million to local and national charitable organisations, including the University of Sunderland, The Prince’s Trust, Newcastle University,  Willow Burn Hospice, the Newcastle United Foundation, the Foundation of Light, The Calvert Trust and Children North East. 

In 2015, Helen was awarded a CBE in recognition of her “services to the Care Home Business and the community in the North East of England.