Adam's story
Adam Smiddy never had an enemy in the world.
His disarming smile, one that rarely left his face even amidst 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 discovered a small lump in his groin, and a biopsy revealed it was a malignant melanoma. He underwent immediate surgery to remove the lump and his affected lymph glands.
Gradually over the next six months, 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 to feeling unwell. Just over three weeks later, Adam passed away. He was in hospital for just eight days. Unknown to Adam and everyone else, the cancer had spread to Adam’s vital organs.
Six weeks after Adam’s passing, Sharky and two other mates, Ron Steel and Oliver Bodak, fulfilled one of Adam’s unrealised dreams in honour of their friend. They rode 1600 kilometres from Brisbane to Adam’s hometown, Home Hill, with nothing but a credit card in their back pockets. In the process, the trio raised an incredible $24,000 for cancer research.
The next year, 22 friends joined Sharky, Ron and Oliver for the ride.
In 2008, the group had grown to 50 riders, who together raised an incredible $420,000 for cancer research.
Year after year, Smiddy continues to grow as more people join our mission to create a future beyond cancer.
Since 2006, our incredible community of riders and triathletes has raised more than $16 million for world-class cancer research at Mater. This funding supports vital projects in melanoma, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, turning hope into tangible progress.
When Adam Smiddy passed away in 2006, his mates committed to the long road of fighting cancer. Today, his legacy continues because of you.
Individually, you are cyclists, triathletes, swimmers, road crew, and supporters.
Together, you are Smiddy—a powerful force for change.
Starting as a humble ride in memory of a mate, Smiddy has morphed into a wonderful series of challenges conquered by a circle of friends, with each member bringing their own stories and passions.
