Madi was 37-weeks pregnant when she got news about her husband that no one ever wants to receive.

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In July, Madi and Will Thornton celebrated their first wedding anniversary, excitedly dreaming about what was to come.

Soon, they would be welcoming their little girl into the world — their family growing with the gift of their first child.

On August 24, that future was ripped away from them when a stolen car struck Will's car head-on at speed in Toolern Vale, northwest of Melbourne.

Will died at the scene, as did the other driver. A passenger from the stolen vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"We felt like our journey together was only just beginning, with so much of life still ahead of us," Madi told Mamamia.

Will had been excited about becoming a father.

"When we found out we were expecting a daughter, Will cried tears of joy," Madi said.

"From that moment, he was already the most devoted father-to-be. He read baby books, made playlists of songs he wanted her to grow up listening to, and talked endlessly about the life we would share with her."

Madi and Will recently celebrated their wedding anniversary. Image: Supplied.

Just two weeks before he died, Will organised a surprise baby shower for Madi, secretly arranging for her loved ones to travel from interstate to be there for her.

"Will wanted to give me the world — and that was simply who he was," she said.

"I still can't believe how lucky I was to find someone as extraordinary as him. He carried a warmth that made everyone feel valued, and his quirky sense of humour could brighten even the hardest of days. His laughter, quick wit, and gentle heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met."

After his death, Madi discovered notes on Will's phone — road trip plans for their life with their growing family.

"We dreamed of camping and creating the kind of simple, beautiful family memories that both of us had loved as children," she said.

"We talked about having more children and growing our family, and our future felt full of promise."

Watch: How to move through grief. Article continues below.

Some of Madi's favourite memories of Will are from their travels together.

But it was those little moments together that meant the most.

"We had our own bucket lists and loved ticking off goals together," she said. "At home, we'd play Mario Kart and get far too competitive, watch ridiculous videos on YouTube until we cried with laughter, and keep our 'pancake Sundays' tradition alive.

"And, of course, our little family was complete with our four adopted pets, our dogs, Roy and Stella, and our cats, Hugo and Remi, who filled our small home with joy and chaos."

Will was excited about becoming a father. Image: Supplied.

As Madi faces a future without the love of her life, she knows Will's legacy will live on in the kindness she sees in the world.

"I want people to know that Will was so much more than the tragic circumstances of his passing," she said.

"He was a devoted husband, a father-to-be who was already completely in love with his little girl, and a man whose kindness and humour lifted everyone around him."

She thanked the community for the love, prayers and support shown to her and her family.

"In these dark times, I find comfort in seeing Will's light radiating through every life he touched," she said.

"With each passing day, his light continues to shine more widely, reminding me that love leaves a mark that even tragedy cannot erase."

Her message to others is a sombre yet simple reminder: "Cherish every moment with the people you love, because you never know how fleeting those moments may be."

Madi says Will's light continues to shine. Image: Supplied.

A fundraiser to support Madi's family has already raised more than $130,000.

"The generosity of the community has been overwhelming," Madi said.

"I've been surrounded by such incredible kindness, compassion, and strength," she said.

"It's difficult to put into words just how much it has meant to me during this time of unimaginable grief. To feel so supported has been humbling and has restored my faith in the goodness of people."

To support Madi's family, visit the GoFundMe here.

Feature image: Supplied.