Today marks the anniversary of Adam Smiddy’s untimely passing.
Written by: Mark "Sharky" Smoothy (founder Mater Smiling for Smiddy)
6 August 2024.
Today, we wish to extend our love and light to David, Paul, Bek & the entire Smiddy family and double down on our commitment to continue funding vital cancer research and patient care advances. For everyone who has contributed to our mission—including those taking on Noosa Tri in a few months’ time or the Snowy Mountains next March and your generous supporters—thank you.
It was early January of 2006 that my mate Adam Smiddy was diagnosed with melanoma. Family and friends were in utter disbelief that in less than seven months, 6 August 2006, that Adam would no longer be with us. Today, as I sit here and write, and even though it is now 18 years ago, I still tear up and get emotional when I think about Adam. I coached Adam for just two years as a triathlete at UQ Sport Triathlon club, and even now, when I close my eyes, the first picture that forms in my mind is that big beautiful, always positive, gentle warm smile of his.
I still remember the exact time that Adam’s father David phoned me, to tell me that Adam had passed away. I took the phone call on my mobile, sitting inside my car, outside a mate’s home in Redcliffe. It was 5pm, and I was on my way home from competing in the Noosa Mountain Bike Marathon. Fellow Smiddy rider’s Tony Pratt and Tony Hegarty were also competing in the race that day, but fate had not yet brought any of us together until the Smiling For Smiddy ride was born.
Just prior to taking David’s call I was on my way to the hospital to see Adam as I had not seen him for a few days. I just could not believe what David was telling me. I felt sick, I felt for his parents, I felt for his friends and work colleagues… And I felt for me. Up to that point in time I had never lost anyone -ever- close to me, and as I drove home, my vision, blurred by tears, I vowed to do something to honour my friend’s name. I did not know what at the time; I just knew that I would do something, not just think of an idea, but that I would act on that idea.
That very same night I woke with a start in the early hours of the morning, I swear I felt his presence, it was then that I recalled a conversation I had one day with Adam, about a year prior to him getting sick. Adam excitedly said; “Smoothy we should ride to Townsville one day and visit Mum and Dad.” Adam knew I loved riding long distances, I knew Adam absolutely loved the bike. I quickly jumped on the idea; “Count me in buddy, when do we leave? Well we never did get to realise that crazy dream together but it was that thought that sparked the idea for the Smiling for Smiddy ride. It was his amazing smile that inspired the naming of Smiling for Smiddy, and it is why now, even more than before, that if I have a dream I act upon it as soon as possible. The lesson that Adam taught me was don’t leave your dreams until tomorrow… just in case tomorrow does not come.
I'd like to finish off by sharing a few incredible things about Adam that most people would not know.
Adam was born in Home Hill, just 100 km south of Townsville. He was a keen sportsman and competed in Soccer, Cricket and Golf while achieving at a high standard at school. Adam played piano and sang in school choirs and also competed at a couple of Eisteddfods doing solo performances in vocal and piano sections when he was at Primary school.
When Year 12 was completed, Adam attained an OP1 and he moved to Brisbane to begin a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland from which he graduated in 2000. Adam enjoyed University life and lived at Kings College on campus at St. Lucia. When Adam finished his studies, he commenced work at the Princess Alexandra Hospital as a Physiotherapist. During his six years at the PA, Adam took on mentoring and teaching other uni students and volunteered with the Smith Family as a Mentor for students coming to live in Brisbane from small country towns,
Adam had always been very fit and health conscious. If he did something he did it to the nth degree. At one stage he was weighing in at over 90kg and all muscle from his love of the gym. When he became interested in Triathlons in 2001 his personality dictated he would become the very best in his age group. He slimmed down to 70 kilograms and got his Noosa times down below two hours and ten minutes.
But most of all Adam was an incredibly loving and passionate man that cared deeply for his family and his close knit group of friends and work colleagues. I think if Adam is somehow aware that his name has been responsible for raising in excess of $15 million for research through the Mater Foundation, he would be a little embarrassed at all the attention and words written about him, but he would also be humbled and proud of the lives this money has saved.
The world is a better place for the 26 years that Adam was present! I still miss my friend.
Sharky
