Keshnee Singh

I am taking on Noosa Triathlon 2023!

I've committed to being part of Team Smiddy at the 2023 Noosa Triathlon.

That means in 2 weeks, I'll be taking on an Olympic distance triathlon. That's a 1500m swim, 40km ride and 10km run! Yes, I'll be pushing my body to the limit after plenty of tacos and margaritas in Mexico. 

Why am I taking on this challenge?

Because 12 months ago, my friend and sister said she wished we could do the Noosa Tri together, yet hindered by stage IV melanoma, a challenge her body would not physically allow. We did this together in 2019, after an amazing fundraiser where we raised over $150,000 for melanoma research.  I was in awe of her closing on the finish line.

Gina underwent countless surgeries, immunotherapy treatments, radiation and lost her ability to be a mother, after both her ovaries were removed in early 2022.

I watched her received what she called the devil drug, enduring what she described as “what must be punishment in hell”, chasing and wishing with every bone in her body that she would find her liquid gold. All she wanted was more time on this earth. She turned up for so many people even though she fought and endured so much, a young woman, with intelligence, charisma and humour. Rather than taking pity on herself she used her story to to build awareness, in the hope that no person no family would go through what she endured. She told her story with passion and though painful and exhausting, Gina pursued one thing, a cure for that big C- word, Cancer.  

On the 12 June 2023, we lost Gina Savage. She fought so hard right till the end, determined to spend time with those she loved. Gina touched many lives. There will never be consolation or enough peace for so many - Her parents Zoe and Joe, her brother Jack and my partner, her loving partner Tom (Lunchie), extended family and her huge group of amazing friends. It is still so hard to comprehend we don’t have her in our life. 

So, without a lot of training, I’m conjuring the ‘Dragon energy’ (adopted by Gina) to complete the Noosa triathlon this year, in Gina’s memory. 

 I'm aiming to raise funds towards ground-breaking research at Mater into the causes, prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. We have previously raised over $500,000 across 3 events through The Six Hour Project to raise funds to support Melanoma research. I am so proud of what we achieved and was always so inspired by Gina’s passion, strength and resilience.

I appreciate any donation, big or small, to help keep Gina’s legacy alive and supporting Mater Foundation in their amazing work.