The Pat Cronin Foundation holds its inaugural Walk to the Valley

HUNDREDS have turned out for the Pat Cronin Foundation’s first official event, nine days after the teen’s killer was sent to jail. Matthew Richardson joined the walk in Melbourne’s northeast, which has already raised over $46,000.

NINE days after his killer was sent to jail, hundreds of people have turned out in memory of teen Pat Cronin in the hope of ending the scourge of coward punch attacks.

Pat was killed by a coward punch thrown by Andrew William Lee as he tried to drag mates from a pub brawl in April last year.

PAT CRONIN’S FAMILY FINDS PURPOSE IN FOUNDATION

HUGE CROWD TO WALK FOR PAT CRONIN FOUNDATION

THE CRONINS’ TEARS OVER PAT’S SENSELESS DEATH

This afternoon, a foundation set up in his name held its first official event, an 8.6km fundraising walk aimed at raising awareness around coward punch attacks.

Organisers of the inaugural Pat Cronin Foundation Walk to the Valley estimate almost 1500 people registered for the walk between Heidelberg and Lower Plenty.

Pat Cronin’s sister Emma, brother Lucas, mother Robyn and father Matt at the Pat Cronin Foundation Walk to the Valley. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Former Richmond star Matthew Richardson, an ambassador of the foundation, kicked off proceedings and set the massive crowd on their way.

He walked the course with his partner Genevieve and the couple’s two month old daughter Zoey.

The tiny Richardson was the youngest participant while Pat’s grandfather, 81, was the oldest.

“We’re all here for Pat, that’s what it’s all about,” his dad Matt said.

He said the community support had been overwhelming.

“It makes the world of difference, it doesn't bring Pat back, that’s the sad reality, but to know we have so many people in our corner is great,” he said.

“He would have loved Richo being here.”

The crowd at the coming through to the finish at the inaugural Pat Cronin Foundation Walk to the Valley. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Richardson said he remembered meeting a young Pat, a fanatic Tigers fan, at Punt Rd Oval.

“I couldn’t be more happy than to help out,” Richardson said.

“It’s a cause that everyone wants to support, ending the coward punch,” he said.

“It’s something we all want to eradicate in the community, the one punch,” he said.

Richardson had a simple message: “When you go out and have a drink, just have a think about what you’re doing.”

“We don’t want to see anyone getting involved in fights when you go out and have a few beers.”

A talented footballer himself, Pat wore Richardson’s famous number 12.

The Pat Cronin Foundation has been set up in memory of the teen.

Patrick's sister Emma, mother Robyn, father Matt and brother Lucas Cronin. Picture: Andrew Tauber

The Pat Cronin Foundation was set up in the wake of Pat’s death but was limited in reach because of fears of jeopardising legal proceedings against his killer.

Earlier this month, Andrew Lee was sentenced to a minimum five year jail term after pleading guilty to a single count of manslaughter.

The foundation will work to end senseless violence, raise awareness and push for legislative change.

Sunday’s event has already raised more than $46,000.

For more information go to: www.patcroninfoundation.org.au