Emotional message ... Phillip Hughes’ family has expressed their sincere thanks to the Australian public for their show of support. Picture: News Corp. Source: News Corp Australia

In a full page message that ran across News Corp Australia publications today, Phillip’s mother Virginia, father Gregory, sister Megan and brother Jason touched on the unspeakable grief they continue to feel.

“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 begins.

The family passed on their “sincere appreciation to the people of Australia” for their messages, gestures and well-wishes over the past few painful weeks.

They also thanked their friends and extended family, the community of Macksville, the cricketing world, and players past and present.

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In addition, they paid tribute to the medical staff at Sydney’s St Vincent Hospital, who worked tirelessly to save Phillip’s life.

Sad goodbye ... Phillip Hughes was farewelled in his hometown of Macksville on December 3 by his family, friends, cricket teammates and other loved ones. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke was also singled out. The skipper has been a rock to the Hughes family and has led numerous tributes to his teammate and friend, who he described as being like a brother to him.

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His heart-wrenching eulogy at Phillip’s funeral summed up the extraordinary sense of loss felt in the sporting and wider community after the 25-year-old’s untimely death.

‘Like a brother’ ... Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke led tributes for his teammate and friend Phillip Hughes, and read an emotional eulogy at his funeral. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Phillip passed away in hospital on November 27, just days after he was struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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The loss prompted a ‘put out your bats’ movement — a moving tribute that saw thousands of people display cricket bats outside their homes and workplaces across the country, and even internationally.

Moving display ... the ‘put out your bats’ movement saw thousands display cricket bats and caps outside homes and workplaces across Australia. Picture: AFP Photo Source: AFP

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Cricket Australia retired Phillip’s Test number 408 and amended the scorebook of his final innings to read “63 not out”.