From the first stride outside Cancer Wellness Support’s Katoomba Op Shop at 9:30am to the finish line at Purcell Property’s Springwood office nearly six hours later, the Blue Mountains community came together on Saturday 27 September in an extraordinary show of spirit and strength.
What started as a modest goal of $5,000 was nearly tripled, propelled step-by-step by local generosity. Run the Open Home, a fundraising event conceived by Purcell Property, raised an incredible $14,100 – enough to fund more than 400 subsidised therapies for local people living with cancer and their families.
Each donation added extra kilometres to the challenge, pushing runners to go further in both distance and determination, and turning the marathon into a powerful symbol of community connection.
What began as a 42km marathon quickly transformed into a test of endurance. The group ran all the way to Glenbrook, clocking an extra 10km each, while one remarkable participant, Ainsley Schwencke, pushed on to Penrith, finishing an astonishing 62km at 7.35pm.
The day captured the best of the Blue Mountains, with businesses, residents, and supporters coming together in a shared act of compassion and grit.
Purcell Property’s Brenden Purcell said the community response surpassed every expectation:
“We set out to raise funds and awareness, but the way the community embraced the challenge — adding kilometres with every donation — made it something truly special. It was tough, but knowing every step was making a difference kept everyone moving.”
Cancer Wellness Support’s CEO Deborah Shepherd said the funds raised will have an immediate and meaningful effect:
“The $14,100 raised translates directly into more than 400 subsidised therapies for local people living with cancer and their families. We are profoundly grateful to Purcell Property for conceiving this unique event and driving it forward with such generosity and determination.
To every participant and supporter who gave their time, energy, and heart — thank you. Together, you’ve ensured our community continues to have access to affordable, person-centred cancer care.”
