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St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt's sister Madeleine dies, aged 26.

The family of St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt have announced that Nick’s sister Madeleine passed away after a five-year battle with cancer.

Madeleine was just 26.

Nick Riewoldt and his family released a statement today about Madeleine’s passing, saying she couldn’t fight any longer. The family have also called for the public to sign up to the Bone Marrow registry and the Red Cross Blood Donation.

Madeleine Reiwoldt surrounded by her family in July last year.

After a five-year battle, two bone marrow transplants and seven months in hospital fighting Aplastic Anaemia, Madeleine Riewoldt, 26, couldn’t fight any longer and her incredibly brave battle ended this morning at Royal Melbourne Hospital with family – Mum: Fiona, Dad: Joe, Brothers: Nick and Alex, Sister in law: Catherine and Nephew: baby James by her side.

“We are so proud of Madeleine for fighting as long and hard as she did. This spirit is a testament to her strength, she inspired us and so many and will continue to do so. We are grateful for and cherish the 26 years we shared as a family and she will remain in our hearts always,” the Riewoldt family said.

Madeleine’s wishes were for greater awareness to the need for people to sign up to the Bone Marrow registry at http://www.abmdr.org.au and Australian Red Cross Blood donation at www.donateblood.com.au and we ask that media assist with getting this message out.

The Riewoldt family are so appreciative of the fantastic work and support of the Royal Melbourne hospital staff, in particular the ICU and Bone Marrow teams.

The Riewoldt family now ask for privacy during this time.

Our thoughts are with the Reiwoldt family.