Claire Schneider
I OWE my love of cycling to Dad.
And I’ll be lining up again with Team Smiddy at Noosa Triathlon 2021 to honour his memory.
Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around cycling. Front and centre of it all was my Dad, beloved schoolteacher Jeff—with his beaming smile, booming laugh and larger-than-life personality.
Cheering on his beloved “Claire Bear”. Wrapping me up in a big hug every time I fell... and gently nudging me back out onto the saddle.
Growing up in regional Queensland, our family were regulars at junior cycling carnivals. I even got to race with Olympic champion Anna Meares... well, mostly behind her back wheel!
Before Dad passed away in 2013 to melanoma—he gently nudged me towards Mater Smiling for Smiddy. And I’ll be lining up again with Team Smiddy at Noosa Triathlon 2021 to honour his memory.
It proved a gift. I fell in love with Smiddy and everything it has to offer.
I’ve been a proud advocate of Mater Foundation ever since. I’ve funded cancer research efforts, made lifelong friendships and even created new family memories on the bike alongside my brother, James.
"I love lining up in Smiddy colours at Noosa. Hearing the cheers of Smiddy! Smiddy! Smiddy! while I’m out on course fills me with so much pride."
Through my involvement with Smiddy, I have come to understand the complexities of cancer research, and I’m proud my ongoing involvement helps support collaborative initiatives of Mater clinicians and researchers.
Mater has the runs on the board for getting the money out into the medical research community and into patient support.
We need to keep up the good work.
Claire Schneider
Proud Smiddy Ambassador
