Youthful energy put to a good cause
Robina Group’s Design Project Manager, Jack Tarrant is a keen runner, often running more than 15kms to or from work and putting the more sedentary of us to shame. Jack is going to be putting his energiser bunny attributes to good use and for a good cause later this year when he participates in the Noosa Tri athletic challenge. Now in its tenth year, the Sunshine Coast sports event is a Smile for Smiddy charity fundraiser with proceeds going towards cancer research at Mater Hospital.
The story behind the Smile for Smiddy charity is one of mateship, leadership and sportsmanship. Adam Smiddy was one of those rare characters who never had a bad word to say about anyone and who was liked by everyone. With a smile constantly plastered on his kind face, Adam inspired those around him throughout his life and tragically also his death. Hailing from Home Hill, Adam was a talented triathlete and respected physiotherapist with the world at his feet who sadly passed away at just 26 years old from an aggressive melanoma.
Adam’s close mate Sharky wanted to honour Adam’s memory and rallied two other mates Ron Steel and Oliver Bodack, to fulfil one of Adam’s unrealised dreams. They rode 1600 km from Brisbane to Adam’s hometown Home Hill, nothing but a credit card in their back pockets, and raised $24 000 for cancer research in the process.
The next year, 22 more friends joined the ride.
In 2008 there were 50 riders, who together raised an incredible $420,000 for cancer research.
Year on year Smile for Smiddy has continued to grow, with more and more people joining Team Smiddy – cyclists, triathletes, swimmers, road crew and supporters – and what started as a humble ride in memory of a mate, has grown into a wonderful series of challenges.
Over the past ten years, over $7 million has been raised for cancer research at Mater and Adam Smiddy’s legacy lives on in a heroic effort to continue the long road to fighting cancer.
According to Cancer Australia, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85 so there are very few people who won’t be affected in some way during their lifetime.
The money raised this year will help researchers at Mater to identify better diagnostics, therapies and potential vaccines for a range of cancers, and find ways to make chemotherapy safer.
Robina Group is immensely proud of Jack’s dedication to such a worthwhile cause and will be cheering him on as he takes part in the challenge.
Jack says he’s joining the team on October 30th to make a difference.
“As part of Team Smiddy I’ll be racing the Noosa Tri challenge to help change these statistics and try and get one-up on this devastating disease,” he said.
“You can support me and help make a difference in the lives of thousands of families affected by cancer by donating at my fundraising page”
Look out for Jack pounding the pavement in Robina on his way to work, he’ll be the streaky figure overtaking you. Go Jack, go!
