Mel Schilling's husband, Gareth Brisbane, has shared an emotional message following her funeral, confirming that the family is beginning a new chapter. The 54-year-old Married At First Sight star died in late March, weeks after revealing that doctors could no longer treat her cancer.
Funeral Details Revealed
Schilling was laid to rest on April 9 in a private ceremony for family and close friends, which was also streamed online to relatives in Australia. Brisbane shared the news on Schilling's Instagram page, expressing gratitude for the support they have received.
"Thanks so much for all the messages of support over the past month since our girl's passing," he wrote. "Maddie and I have drawn enormous strength from how so very loved she was and is."
During the funeral, Schilling's 10-year-old daughter Maddie delivered a heartfelt speech. "Maddie announced on the morning of the funeral that she had written a little speech which she delivered beautifully. Every inch her mother's daughter and I couldn't be prouder," Brisbane said.
Scattering of Ashes
Last weekend, some of Schilling's ashes were scattered at the lighthouse in Brisbane's hometown of Whitehead, Northern Ireland, as per her wishes. "It's a special place that really resonated with her, a place where strangers say hello as you pass, and a place we can now come back to to reflect on our incredible 15 years together," he added.
Moving Forward
Brisbane revealed that he and Maddie will be relocating to Bali. "In a few short weeks Maddie and I will be welcomed back into the arms of mother Bali where we will begin our next chapter. No better place to heal, a place that we all loved and where we still have some of our dearest friends who had the most wonderful blessing ceremony for Mel at our new villa last weekend."
He concluded by sharing that a photo of Schilling smiling in a white feathered blazer was chosen as her funeral photo. "Equal parts glam, warmth and vulnerability which was her all over," he said, signing off with "Love and light to you all".
Tributes and Legacy
Fans and industry colleagues have sent their condolences. Celebs Go Dating agent Anna Williamson commented, "So much love to you all", while Vicky Pattison echoed, "Sending so much love". MAFS star Claire Nomarhas added, "She'd be so proud of you two. Your forever guardian angel".
Channel 4 described Schilling as someone who "radiated joy, warmth, and optimism". Bowel Cancer UK praised her "courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between", stating that her story "has already made a profound difference".
Schilling's Battle with Cancer
Schilling was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023. After being given the all-clear, nodules were discovered on her lungs during a routine check-up. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy over two years, but in March 2026, she was told her cancer was terminal after it metastasised to her lungs and the left side of her brain. She died peacefully, surrounded by love.
