MAFS Star Mel Schilling's Final Words Were a Sweet Message to Daughter Maddie
Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling used her last remaining strength to share a heartfelt message with her family that will sustain them forever, according to her heartbroken husband. The beloved psychologist died earlier this week at age 54 following a grueling battle with colon cancer.
Final Moments with Family
Her partner of ten years, Gareth Brisbane, announced the sad news on Instagram yesterday morning. In the days leading up to her tragic death, the dad-of-one revealed that Mel's final thoughts turned to her immediate family, specifically the couple's 10-year-old daughter Maddie.
Gareth explained that the Australian TV personality somehow summoned up the strength to deliver some poignant words to him and their only child. "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," he shared.
"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."
A Tribute to a Beloved Mother
He didn't go into detail about the moving message Mel shared with the pair, but instead paid tribute to the "incredible mum, role model, and soulmate." Before passing away, Mel described her beloved husband as her 'rock' amid the relentless treatment.
Following her initial diagnosis in 2023, she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, but the cancer sadly spread to her lungs and brain. Speaking of how the family-of-three tackled the harsh reality of the deadly disease, she told OK! magazine: "It really does feel like a team. I can open up and be honest about how I'm feeling, and we make adjustments at home to match that."
Family Journey and IVF Success
The couple first met back in 2011 through dating app eHarmony when Mel was 39. Gareth, who is Northern Irish, was living in Adelaide, Australia, while Mel was based in Melbourne. They did long distance for six weeks before meeting in person, which Mel said was "really pivotal in the success of our relationship."
After a commitment ceremony in 2018, they officially tied the knot in 2020. They decided to start a family fairly quickly, although Mel felt unsure about pregnancy due to a "very, very tough experience" with miscarriage.
They later conceived through IVF, with Mel explaining: "We went down the IVF path, which was very successful for us. Maddie was one of the little eggs that was frozen for six weeks, then they popped her inside of me and boom, here she is. I had her when I was 42."
The TV star's final thoughts were of her little girl, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength that her family will cherish forever.
