Darwin dad Mark Haste pays tribute to his “true hero” daughter Brittany Haste

“We stand in awe of you Brittany” — Grieving dad Mark Haste has paid tribute to daughter Brittany Haste who lost her life to cancer earlier this year at age 23. Read his moving eulogy

Mark Haste with his daughter Brittany who died earlier this year after a battle with cancer: “The world is richer for having known you, even for such a short time.”​

Brittany Rose Haste, you changed the world. You made a positive difference.

You were you, and we loved and admired everything about you. Your short life has touched so many. Your love, strength and bravery enabled you to fight any challenge that came your way.

We hold your memories close to our hearts, looking to you for guidance and direction when we face life’s difficulties. We can feel you with us and we know that you will be with us in spirit and memory forever.

You had a calming, optimistic and guiding effect on us all. These characteristics are so rare; you were worldly and wise beyond your years.

You projected such unselfish love and care for those around you, always making time to connect with those in need and making time to assist.

A young Brittany Haste with baby brother James.

You were a delight to be with, even at the depths of your illness, you had the ability to lift a down mood with your beaming smile and infectious giggle. Your generosity was admired by us all and will be missed.

You loved everyone especially your father, mother, brother, sisters, stepmother and stepfather.

Never have we collectively, experienced anyone quite like you Brittany. Beautiful, gentle, intelligent, determined, fair, principled, giving, understanding and inspirational.

Likewise, never have we had our heart strings pulled so far out of our bodies with your passing, and yet we remain here, today, alive and well, carrying on the best we can, with you deep in our souls and memories.

Hundreds farewell young cancer victim Brittany Haste

The world is poorer without you, but we also know the world is also richer for having known you, even for such a short time.

You made an impression on everyone. Not just a small dent like a watch band may leave, but an impression more akin to a meteorite. Huge, vast, impressive, stupendous, awe inspiring and forever.

Brittany Haste pictured with her stepmother Christine Marron.

We hear the word “hero” used so many times in our world today. Most likely attributed to sports stars or social media influencers. While their feats are admirable, they are not those of a real hero. You, Brittany Rose Haste are a true hero. You were our hero.

You faced an unimaginable diagnosis’ and treatments over the past few years, yet you always smiled, remained family focused, projected your love for us and the world around you. You helped us all cope with your illness.

You never gave in or gave up. You fought bravely to live your best life every day. That is what a real hero does.

Now you have left us, we honour your memory in our hearts and minds. We carry your spirit within us forever. When we face our own life challenges, we are strengthened by memories of you and call on you for your care and guidance.

In closing, we know that grief is an individual process and the journey takes its time. Please look out for yourself and each other and try not to focus on our loss, but on the privilege of having known Brittany.

We stand in awe of you Brittany.

Thank you for being in our lives, our hearts, and our memories forever.