Saturday 12th June to Monday 28th June – Shaw Island to Airlie Beach

Saturday 12th

We received some terrible news from my brother Matt at Bundaberg this morning, Mel his wife, only 42 years old, had suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to Bundaberg Hospital and then flown to the intensive care unit at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where she was placed in an induced coma to try and help her recover.

Monday 14th

With no change in Mel’s condition, we departed Shaw Island and headed for Airlie Beach where I’d be able to catch a bus to the Sunshine Coast to offer what support I could to Matt and the family.

Wednesday 16th

Leaving Mark, Georgie and Lucy at anchor off Airlie Beach I caught the overnight bus to the Sunshine Coast to be with Matt and Mel’s family (and the following day brother Wes and fiancé Pam). My younger brother Josh also arrived later the following week.

Monday 28th

Despite all hope Mel never woke from her coma and passed away peacefully on Monday 28th June surrounded by her loved ones. Mel has three beautiful children, Riley, Tayla and Ryan who along with Matt are beyond devastated. Our hearts are broken at the loss of our gorgeous, chilled, talented, and smart Aunty/Sister-in-law.

Life can be so cruel.