The Block viewers have been left heartbroken after hearing Foreman Dan and Dani speak about their baby girl who died last year.

The Block viewers were left in tears on Monday night when Foreman Dan and his wife Dani Reilly spoke about the loss of their baby girl. Photo: Nine

The Block viewers were left in tears on Monday night when Foreman Dan and his wife Dani Reilly spoke about the loss of their baby girl. Photo: Nine

Trigger warning: Infant loss

Foreman Dan and his wife Dani Reilly, who previously competed on The Block in 2012 and 2013, appeared on the show on Monday night to share something very close to their hearts. The pair opened up about the devastating loss of their 10-day-old baby, Billie, in December last year due to complications during birth.

Dan and Dani have started an organisation called Billie’s Besties to raise money and awareness for Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Speaking to the contestants, who were overcome by emotion, Dan said, “We only got to spend 10 days with our beautiful girl and we’re very grateful for those 10 days her time was spent in the NICU department at the Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.”

“The amazing people that dedicate their lives to NICU, is just unbelievable. And what they did, not only for us, but other families, they do whatever is possible to make your time as good as possible,” he added.

 

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“Unfortunately, it didn’t end in the way that it should have for us,” Dani said. “But our time there, as Dan said, was really special with Billie.”

“Getting to know the nurses and doctors at NICU will be probably one of the things that we remember forever. It was life changing in that way, as much as it was having Billie.”

“It’s now our primary mission in life to make meaning or sense out of this, and support those who supported us,” Dani added.

The contestants were in tears as they heard Dan and Dani speak about their loss.

“We don’t understand what that would be like, but we feel for them, we also had one of my best mates go through the same thing,” a tearful Sonny told the cameras.

Taz described Dan and Dani as “such beautiful people”, adding it was “such a terrible thing to happen to them”.

Sonny and Alicia were in tears after hearing Dan and Dani share their story. Photo: Nine

Sonny and Alicia were in tears after hearing Dan and Dani share their story. Photo: Nine
Viewers shared their heartbreak after watching the episode, with one person writing, “Even in your darkest time, you strive to help others. There are no words. You both are so brave and so incredible.”

“Our heart breaks for your loss, nobody should have to experience this but you are turning it into something amazingly positive,” another said.

“Oh Billie, look at what you are doing,” a third wrote. “Raising awareness and spreading so much light. She is so proud of her parents. Sending much love to you both.”

“I was in tears watching Dan & Dani,” someone else added. “You are both so brave to share your story. Being a nurse myself, there are some patients who completely touch your heart and you never forgot them. The NICU nurses will never forget your beautiful Billie. You two are truly amazing.”
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“Proud that Dan and Dani even attended The Block this year,” another said. “You have shown great strength for your community, your families and everyone around you. Thank you for allowing Australia into your lives in such a devastating moment. We are forever grateful to continue to keep Billie’s legacy alive.”

Dan and Dani shared the heartbreaking news of Billie’s passing on December 20. They shared a photo of the three of them, with the caption reading: “It is with insurmountable grief that we share the news that our daughter Billie, has passed on from this life and into the next at just 10 days young.

“In Billie’s short time in this world, she taught us an intensity of both love and pain we never knew possible. She taught us what really matters. Billie was so wanted, so loved and she made us parents… and what an honour it is to be her mummy and daddy. She will always be our daughter.

“It’s clear to us that Billie was far too good for this world but if we know anything for sure, it’s that Billie’s legacy will make an impact greater than all of us.”