Featured Image Credit: Hoda Davaine/Getty Images
Topics: Entertainment, Married At First Sight, Married At First Sight Australia, Married at First Sight UK, Cancer, Bowel cancer
Jen Thomas
Topics: Entertainment, Married At First Sight, Married At First Sight Australia, Married at First Sight UK, Cancer, Bowel cancer
Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has sadly died of cancer at the age of 54, and she bravely shared her overlooked symptoms in the months before her passing.
The relationship therapist wanted to raise awareness about cancer and shared her experience in the hope that nobody else would have to experience it.
She was originally diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, when 'a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan.'
It was 'successfully removed' and Mel went into remission, but it sadly later returned, and had spread to her brain and lungs.
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The star has left behind her husband Gareth, and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie.
She had shared the tragic news the cancer had returned with a post on her Instagram page.
The star wrote: "Unfortunately, in late February 2024, during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs."
Mel continued: The cancer had metastasised, and my world changed again in an instant."
"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026."
She shared her hope, and wrote: "Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."
Unfortunately, she started experiencing two new symptoms.
She shared that she experienced 'blinding headaches' and 'numbness down my right side', which are often mistaken as being harmless or a migraine.
"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," Mel added.
According to the National Brain Tumour Society, 'weakness, numbness, or loss of movement in one part or one side of the body' is actually a very common symptom of the condition.
Cancer Research says that symptoms can 'depend on where the tumour is in the brain', but as it grows it takes up space, and can 'increase the pressure within the brain', causing severe headaches.
A statement was shared today, Tuesday 24 March, confirming Mel had sadly passed away.
It said: "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.
"On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world."
The statement, written by husband Gareth, paid tribute to other important people from Mel's life, before finishing with: "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."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.