RUNNING with purpose was the motto for Kieran Fawcett and Patricia Sweeney-Fawcett who joined more than 16,000 runners in last weekend’s Sunshine Coast Marathon.
The couple together raised more than $4500 for The Table of St Francis, a grassroots Catholic outreach serving people experiencing homelessness, hardship and social isolation across the Sunshine Coast.
“Every dollar raised helps us to keep showing up for the people who rely on us,” Mrs Sweeney-Fawcett said.
Mr Fawcett described the ministry as “more than just a meal”.
“It is about presence, dignity and connection,” he said.
“Letting people know they haven’t been forgotten.
“We wanted to use the marathon as a way to raise both funds and awareness about our ministry.”
Rooted in the example of St Francis of Assisi, the ministry’s aim was to show compassion for people living on the margins.
Each week, The Table of St Francis volunteers “meet people where they are” with freshly cooked meals, hot drinks, clothing and friendship at Quota Memorial Park.
Being volunteers themselves, the Fawcett family saw first-hand how small amounts of support can make a big difference for someone “doing it tough”.
“Christ calls us to care for those who are struggling,” Mrs Sweeney-Fawcett said.
“The marathon felt like a way to offer that same spirit of service in a new form,” she said.
Homelessness and hardship are “often closer to home than people realise”.
Although the couple had experience from their participation in the 2006 New York City Marathon and the 2025 Sydney Marathon, they still faced challenges this year.
“We ran the full 42.2km which loops along Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Mudjimba,” Mr Fawcett said.
“The weather was very cold and wet for the first 20km, which made the early stages tough,” he said.
In the difficult moments they said it was prayer, faith and the thought of who they were running for that kept them going.
They both agreed the highlight of the race was crossing the finish line “knowing every kilometre had been offered up” for their ministry.
Their vision now was to raise $50, 000 to purchase and fit out a mobile food truck (The Compassion Mobil) that would allow them to reach more communities, taking “meals and hope” directly to people experiencing hardship across the Sunshine Coast.
“We’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported us with prayers, donations and encouragement,” Mr Fawcett said.
“This was a team effort in every sense,” Mrs Sweeney-Fawcett added.
“We felt truly blessed to represent The Table of St Francis and our faith community on race day.”
If you would like to donate to this ministry, please use the information below:
The Table of St. Francis
BSB: 633-000
Acc: 244 459 665
(The Table of St Francis is a registered charity, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible)