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MAFS star Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54 just days after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.
Her Gareth confirmed the news on Instagram on Tuesday in a beautiful statement in which he spoke about her love for him and their daughter Maddie, 10.
He wrote: ‘Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
‘In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life.
‘It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
‘This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.
‘This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
‘To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.’
MAFS Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54, her husband Gareth revealed in a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, alongside a series of beautiful images of her
He wrote: ‘Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love’ – Mel had revealed the cancer had spread to her brain just days ago
Gareth added: ‘In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life’ – pictured with Gareth and daughter Maddie, who is now aged 10
He continued: ‘On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
‘I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
‘To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it.
‘To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
‘And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
‘Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
‘I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
‘Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.’
