Sad announcement leaves The Block contestants sobbing
Dan and his wife Dani Reilly, both former Block contestants, welcomed a baby girl named Billie into the world on December 8 last year.
Tragically, she died just 10 days later after complications during birth.
The couple announced the tragic news at the time – and just a couple of months later, Dan was back at work filming this season of The Block.
He and Dani addressed the contestants and those on site to open up about their loss at the start of Monday's episode.
He said they felt 'grateful' for their 10 days with Billie, time spent in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
'Premmie [premature] babies spend time in NICU, to give them the care they need and the best start in life,' he explained.
'It didn't end as it should have for us,' said Dani, 'but our time there was really special with Billie. The doctors at the NICU, we'll remember forever.'
Dan explained that the couple wanted to use their personal tragedy, and the legacy of Billie's short time on earth, to raise awareness and funds for the organisations that had helped them in their time of need.
'We wish we didn't need them, but we did, and they saved us at that time,' said Dani.
'Billie's legacy, now our mission, is to raise awareness and funds for The Women's NICU, Red Nose Australia, and Heartfelt, ensuring other families receive the care, support, and memories that meant and continue to mean so much to us,' said Dan.
From contestants to tradies to host Scott Cam, all on site appeared visibly moved by the couple's bravery in speaking about their loss so publicly.
'We don't understand what that would be like,' said Gold Coast contestant Sonny, fighting back tears. 'But we also had one of my best mates go through the same thing.'
'They're such beautiful people,' said WA contestant Taz. 'It's such a terrible thing to have happened to them.'
Dan and Dani's Billie's Besties campaign, launched after their daughter's passing to support the Women's Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), has so far raised almost $100,000.
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