The Bottlemart Smiling for Smiddy Challenge has exceeded its fundraising target of half a million dollars in 2009, raising more than $540,000 to fight cancer. $1.1 million has now been raised since the Challenge began three years ago.

The 50 cyclists and 11 road crew who completed the grueling 1600 kilometre cycle over eight days from Brisbane to Home Hill in the state's north collectively raised more than $300,000.

Corporate partners also made significant contributions in 2009 with Bottlemart ($120,000) and Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia ($90,000) fundraising more than $200,000.

The Mater Foundation, the major beneficiary of the 2009 Challenge, will receive funds to support three world-class research projects in Brisbane: prostate cancer research, melanoma drug trials, and a pilot study into complementary therapies to improve quality of life for cancer patients.

Further beneficiaries from the funds raised will be announced in the coming months.

The Bottlemart 2009 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge was held from 5-12 September.

The Challenge honours the memory of Adam Smiddy, a 26 year old Brisbane physiotherapist, who passed away to an aggressive cancer in August 2006.