I thought I'd share an email Brad has sent to his friends and supporters because I think it's a good read and talks about the challenges he and his family are currently facing and why being involved with Smiling for Smiddy and the fight against cancer has taking on a whole new meaning for them.
Hello friend,
You are receiving this email as you have directly assisted my campaign with the Smiddy Challenge either through a financial donation or through some valuable assistance and support.
It's important to take stock of our achievements and my experience this year is that I would be nowhere if it wasn't for your valuable contribution and support throughout my campaign to raise money for Cancer Research with the Smiddy Challenge. Some fundraising and riding stats are as follows: -
· Total tally by all Smiddy events for 2011 $598,266 (So Far)
· Total tally for 2011 Smiddy Challenge $333,328
· Total tally for the Cyc'd team $ 60,753 (Four mates Kent, Gav, Dammo & Brad with one common goal)
· My total fundraising $ 17,748 (Revised target of $15k smashed)
· Total training Km's 7,500k's
· Total vertical metres of climbing 78,000 mtrs
I apologise it has taken me some time to put pen to paper however as some of you are already aware there has been some challenging times for our family in the last few weeks. As you may already be aware my inspiration for contributing in this event was due to my frustration of seeing good people and families experiencing all different journeys with the battle of this terrible disease and we had been fortunate to not experience cancer in our famliy. That was until 2 weeks prior to the challenge commencing when my beautiful wife (Fleur) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
This was the most difficult period we have encountered as a family at this point and I will admit the news knocked us around for a little while until we were able to piece together a plan to commence Fleurs recovery. By the time we had the plan mapped out and engaged a wonderful team of surgeons and doctors the Smiddy Challenge was about to start. With Fleurs surgery commencing during the challenge naturally our focus was 100% on Fleurs well-being and I had advised the organisers that I was unable to complete the challenge.
A testimonial of Fleurs courage and determination is evident with her request that I at least participate in the first two days of the ride however in the lead up to the first day I had contracted a bronchial infection which resulted in only having enough energy and lungs to participate in day 1. Frustrating times however this was only the start to what has been an emotional rollercoaster ride.
As for today our philosophy and outlook on life has given us the courage to work through the surgical procedures for which thankfully Fleur has responded well and we are now embarking on the remainder of the treatment program being Chemo and radium over a period of 6 months or so. We are positive that she will beat this and we will look back on this as one of those hurdles in life that
For some of you this news may be shocking
For some this will be a reminder, a chance to reflect
For me this is the continuation of my commitment to raise funds for cancer research
Some key sponsors / people I would like to thank: -
· Cyc'd for Bikes - If you need a great bike and great service Jaaron is your man. Thanks for your support with the raffle mate.
· McGuires Hotels - To the two Matt's for assisting with the Locker Room lunch. A fantastic opportunity to raise valuable funds
· Broncos - To Marty and the team for your valuable contribution during the locker room lunch
· The Coffee Club - Thanks for your contribution and JL thanks for some handy advice with fundraising
· Skins - Those recovery tights helped us make it through some valuable training and assisted the other lads with the remainder of the challenge.
· Coca-Cola Amatil - PD thanks for your support with the auction item which raised some valuable funds
· Greenbank RSL & Aruze Gaming - To John and Tony, thanks for your support with the auction item and it will be a great day at the races
· Canadian Club - Chappo I have some great photos to send you mate of some thirsty cyclists enjoying the sensational CC & Dry's
· Pacific Beverages - Gloss same as above. The Peroni's went down a treat with the team
· T&K - Thanks for your valuable contribution
· MG - You are an inspiration mate.
Thank you once again for your support and watch out for next year as it only makes sense to finish what I have started.
Kind regards
Brad...
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