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 of 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 on year, Smiling for Smiddy continues to grow, with more and more people joining the fight against cancer.
Since 2006, our incredible Smiling for Smiddy riders have raised more than $10 million for world-class cancer research at Mater, in the areas of melanoma, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers.
When Adam Smiddy passed away in 2006, his mates pledged a commitment to traveling the long road to fight cancer. Today, the Smiling for Smiddy legacy continues because of you.
Individually, you’re cyclists, you’re triathletes, and you’re swimmers, road crew and supporters.
Together, you’re Team Smiddy
Starting as a humble ride in memory of a mate, Smiling for Smiddy has morphed into a wonderful series of challenges conquered by a circle of friends, with each member bringing their own stories and passions.
What will your Smiling for Smiddy story be?
It’s a long, hard road to fight cancer, but we know you’re up for the challenge.
