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West Australian Man Who Met Wife In Hospital Loses Battle With Cystic Fibrosis.

The pair met as children and fell in love as adults

Matt Maartensz, part of a love story that touched the hearts of West Australians, has lost his battle with cystic fibrosis.

He died at home on Saturday, March 31, aged 29. His wife Kaila was by his side.

The Perth couple reached out to the public after Matt’s health suddenly deteriorated to the point that he needed constant care. Mrs Maartensz, 32, also has the debilitating lung condition.

The pair met as children in the wards of Princess Margaret Hospital.

“I don’t even have the words to express how much I loved you, how much I’ll miss you and how heartbroken I am right now,” she wrote on Instagram the day Mr Maartensz died.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg_LLKFg67C/?taken-by=lovelydinosaur_

“I will love you for ever my fierce dinosaur.”

Mr Maartensz was remembered as a brave person who made the most of his short life by the friends who paid tribute to him on social media.

“Matty we learnt so much from you … every time I feel uncertain I will remember your amazing courage,” close friend Helen Tranchita wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUK2OUj7Mr/?taken-by=lovelydinosaur_

Kaila wants help to fund Matt’s funeral. Visit gofundme.com/matt-and-kaila-need-your-support

This article originally appeared on The West Australian. 

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