Fran Steart

Rise Against Hunger

Personal Message:

As I write this on 25 April 2025, I can’t help but reflect on the significance of this date. Exactly five years ago, we received the devastating call that my youngest brother, Hayden, had been in a horrific car accident. He sustained multiple injuries, the most lasting of which was a Traumatic Brain Injury. Since then, he’s come such a long way. With the love and support of family, friends, our community, incredible carers, and health professionals—we’re so proud of how far he’s come. What’s brought me to this point—preparing to run the Comrades in 2025—is so much more than just ticking off a personal goal or dream. It’s about something far bigger. This year, the goal is to start and finish the ultimate human race alongside Hayden—who will be pushed in a buggy by our good mate, Shaun Black (who is impressively running his 11th Comrades!). Our motto has been simple: while we can run, we will run—and we’ll do it for those who can’t…yet. We originally hoped to raise awareness and funds for those living with Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injuries by running together as a bus. But this week we learned that in order to do that, we need to raise funds for one of the official Comrades charities to be batched together. So, I’ve chosen to support “Rise Against Hunger” as our official charity. As many of you know, I’m a dietitian—and hunger, in this day and age, is simply unacceptable. This cause resonates deeply with me, and I’d love your support in helping to fight hunger, one meal at a time. Thank you so much for helping us accomplish this feat!