Coronis
Adam Smiddy never had an enemy in the world.
His disarming smile, one that rarely left his face even amid the gravest of circumstances, gave his family and friends a window into the soul of a gentle, kind-hearted and unassuming boy from Home Hill.
In 2006, Adam passed away from an aggressive melanoma. He was just 26 years old, a talented triathlete and respected physiotherapist with the world at his feet.
Six months earlier, Adam had discovered a small lump in his groin, and a biopsy revealed it was a malignant melanoma. He had immediate surgery to remove the lump and his lymph glands.
Gradually over a six month period, Adam’s health and fitness started to return. Sadly however, it was not to be.
During a bike ride with his close friend and triathlon coach, Mark ‘Sharky’ Smoothy, Adam confessed he was not feeling well. Just over three weeks later, Adam passed away. He was in hospital for only eight days. Without his knowledge, Adam’s cancer had spread to his vital organs.
To honour Adam, in that same year Sharky and two other mates Ron Steel and Oliver Bodak, fulfilled one of Adam’s unrealised dreams. They rode 1600 km from Brisbane to Adam’s hometown Home Hill, nothing but a credit card in their back pockets, and they raised $24 000 for cancer research in the process.
The next year, 22 more friends joined the ride.
In 2008 there were 50 riders, who together raised an incredible $420 000 for cancer research.
Year on year Smiling for Smiddy has continued to grow, with more and more people joining the team. You’re cyclists, you’re triathletes, you’re swimmers, road crew and supporters.
Together you’re Team Smiddy.
What started as a humble ride in memory of a mate, has grown into a wonderful series of challenges. A circle of friends, with each of you bringing your own stories and your own passions.
Over the past ten years, together you’ve raised over $7 million for cancer research at Mater. That’s an incredible effort, but there is still so much more to be done.
When Adam Smiddy passed away in 2006, his mates placed a stake in the ground and committed to the long road to fight cancer.
Ten years later the Smiling for Smiddy legacy continues because of you.
It’s a long, hard road to fight cancer, but we know you’re up for the challenge.
Are you in?
