Channel Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin reveals her unbearable pain after her sister's death from lung cancer: 'There's not a day where she's not in our thoughts'

By Jimmy Briggs For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Channel Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin revealed on Thursday she still struggles with the pain of losing her sister Tara to lung cancer in 2015.

Mel, 42, told The Australian Women's Weekly she had always been close to Tara when they were growing up and their bond extended into adulthood.

Tara, 39, was a senior constable with the New South Wales Police and left behind two young sons, Harry and Flynn, when she died. 

Channel Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin (pictured in December) revealed on Thursday she still struggles with the pain of losing her sister Tara to lung cancer in 2015

Channel Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin (pictured in December) revealed on Thursday she still struggles with the pain of losing her sister Tara to lung cancer in 2015 

Mel said: 'There's literally not a day where she's not in our hearts and thoughts. Every day is hard. Watching our sister's kids grow up without a mum.'

The TV host has since become an ambassador for Lung Foundation Australia, a charity that supports lung cancer sufferers.

'It took me years to get involved. But the mortality rate is disgusting. The Foundation needs more money and attention. Maybe I'm not doing enough, but I'm trying,' she said.

Tara, 39, was a senior constable with the New South Wales Police and left behind two young sons, Harry and Flynn (pictured), when she died

Tara, 39, was a senior constable with the New South Wales Police and left behind two young sons, Harry and Flynn (pictured), when she died

Mel confirmed last year she was the mystery Channel Seven staffer who caught Covid during the Boxing Day Test.

Her diagnosis caused the network to replace its entire on-air commentary line-up on December 26 and 27.

Mel confirmed to The Daily Telegraph she was fully vaccinated and the news came as a 'big shock'.

Mel (pictured with Australian cricketer Brad Hodge) confirmed last year she was the mystery Channel Seven staffer who caught Covid during the Boxing Day Test

 Mel (pictured with Australian cricketer Brad Hodge) confirmed last year she was the mystery Channel Seven staffer who caught Covid during the Boxing Day Test

Due to Seven's strict Covid protocols at the time, the network had to replace its entire commentary team of Mel, Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, Simon Katich, James Brayshaw, Alison Mitchell, Tim Lane, Greg Blewett, Matthew Hayden, Trent Copeland, Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming and Peter Lalor.

Mel has been involved with former English football player Ashley Westwood, 45, since 2015. 

She is currently in Birmingham for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, to be held from 28 July to 8 August.

Mel is currently in Birmingham for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, to be held from 28 July to 8 August

Mel is currently in Birmingham for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, to be held from 28 July to 8 August

New South Wales

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