Adelaide: The family of Phillip Hughes thanked the Australian public for their enormous support since the tragic death of the young Australian cricketer by issuing an emotional message in Sunday's newspapers here.
More than two weeks after Hughes passed away after being injured by a bouncer, Hughes' family today issued a full page message in News Corp Australia publications, where Phillip's mother Virginia, father Gregory, sister Megan and brother Jason shared their unfathomable grief.
The message was topped with "Thank You From The Hughes Family," and a photograph of Hughes in his "baggy green" Test cap.
"Words cannot express our sorrow at Phillip's passing, but your love and support has given us great strength at this very difficult time," the message begun.
The Hughes' family passed on their "sincere appreciation to the people of Australia" for their messages, wishes and gestures over the last few painful weeks and also thanked their friends and families, the community of Macksville, the cricketing world, and players past and present.
They also acknowledged the efforts taken by the medical staff at Sydney's St Vincent Hospital, which worked round the clock to save Phillip's life during his two-day stay there.
Hughes was fatally struck in the neck and head area by a bouncer from Sean Abbott during a domestic match in Sydney on November 25. He died two days later in hospital.
