ABOUT US
We’re working for a safer future
If it could happen to Pat, it could happen to anyone
Our son Pat was a gentle 19-year-old who stepped in to help a mate being attacked outside a local pub.
In that moment, he was struck from behind with a single coward punch — a blow that caused an inoperable brain bleed.
Two days later, we made the agonising decision to turn off his life support. He will forever be 19.
Losing Pat changed more than our family. It shook our entire community and made one thing painfully clear: if this could happen to Pat, it could happen to any young person. No family should ever experience this kind of loss.
That’s why we started the Pat Cronin Foundation. Not to stay anchored in grief, but to prevent other young people from becoming victims of preventable violence. The Foundation exists to use Pat’s story as a catalyst for awareness, early intervention and cultural change — so young people can feel safe in their communities.
Since 2016, we’ve shared Pat’s story with more than 300,000 students across 750+ schools. Young people recognise themselves in Pat. They see their friends, their weekends, the everyday moments where one split-second choice can change everything. His story helps them understand why choosing kindness over violence isn’t just the right thing — it saves lives.
Today, the Foundation is guided by a clear mission and values that continue the work Pat never got the chance to: building a future free from preventable violence.
300,000+
Students
750+
Schools
10
Years
XX
Something
Our vision—a world free from the Coward Punch
We work to achieve this vision by providing an optimistic voice and empowering approach to awareness, education and research — working with schools, clubs, workplaces, community groups and young people to End the Coward Punch.
Be Wise. Think Carefully. Act Kindly.
Awareness
We cannot End the Coward Punch alone. Through Pat’s Story, we encourage young people and the broader community to work together to end violence and bring about the changes we seek.
Education
Our Be Wise Education programs don’t just introduce young people to Pat and his story, but help them develop their own action plan to Be Wise and never use violence.
Research
Our Research helps to strengthen our awareness and education programs, informs the development of prevention strategies and supports our goal to reduce assaults and Coward Punch attacks in our community.
PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Our work can only continue with your support
Partnering with the Pat Cronin Foundation is more than sponsorship, it’s a chance to stand alongside us in building a safer, more respectful community.
Become a Partner