The Block stars Dan Reilly and Dani Wales have revealed their newborn daughter has tragically died.
The reality TV couple took to Instagram on Friday to share the devastating news that their daughter Billie Vera Reilly passed away on Wednesday at just 10 days old.
They posted a photograph of themselves with their arms around one another as they stood by their daughter’s bedside in hospital.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Dani shared her ‘insurmountable’ grief and said she and Dan both feel ‘honoured’ to be Billie’s parents.
They wrote: ‘Billie Vera Reilly 8/12/24 – 18/12/24. 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.
The Block stars Dan Reilly and Dani Wales have shared their heartbreak as their newborn daughter has tragically died
‘Billie was so wanted, so loved and she made us parents… and what an honor 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.
‘Thank you @mrskevinsphotos for capturing such beautiful family photos for us and also for @heartfelt_ausnz for capturing many of Billie’s firsts.’
Dani went on to encourage people to make a donation in Billie’s honour to The Royal Women’s Hospital via their in memoriam fundraising page.
She wrote: ‘We want to make special mention of ‘Billie’s Besties’ at @theroyalwomens – the nurses, doctors & staff in NICU are some of the most incredible people to walk this earth and we’ll be forever grateful for the care and love they gave our girl, and us.
‘If you’re in a position to, you can make a donation in Billie’s honor to The Royal Women’s Hospital via the link (linked in bio).’
A huge $3,640 has already been been raised through their fundraiser for the NICU consultants, nurses and staff at the hospital in Randwick, Sydney.
Dani emotionally signed off her post by asking for privacy and telling their followers that they will share more about Billie’s story in the future.
Dan and Dani first hit national attention when they appeared on the 2012 series of The Block and they went on to tie the knot in 2018
‘Lastly, we understand there will be questions, and so many of the answers we just don’t have yet,’ she added.
‘We’ll share more in time but for now we ask for privacy as we work through this together and with our loved ones.
‘”You look so pretty, pretty like the sun. I could watch forever, while you shine on everyone.” We love you Billie.’
The couple were flooded with heartfelt condolence messages from their friends and followers.
Nadia Bartel commented: ‘I am so sorry. Sending you love, strength and light.’
The Block’s Tess and Luke shared: ‘Oh Dan and Dani – there are absolutely no words. We are sending you all so much love and strength. Billie is so beautiful. Thinking of you, non stop. We are so sorry.’
Michael and Carlene Duffy wrote: ‘Oh Dan and Dani, we’re so so very sorry. Your beautiful girl. There really are no words but I hope you feel everyone’s collective arms around you. You’ll be in our thoughts.’
Elyse Knowles penned: ‘Omgosh danni and Dan ! I am truly sorry for ur loss and experience ! I am sending my greatest love and comfort to you both ! Look after yourselves and surround urself with love. love Elyse and Josh xxxxxxxxx.’
On The Block, the couple took out second place honours and a considerable $448,000 and are now a staple part of the reality TV series, with Dan serving as a Foreman
Dan and Dani had announced they were expecting their first child together in a post shared to Instagram in July.
Dan and Dani first hit national attention when they appeared on the 2012 series of The Block.
The couple, who were dating at the time, took out second place honours and a considerable $448,000.
The pair returned in 2013 for The Block All Stars series, walking away with third place and a profit of $220,000.
Dan has since taken on a role as a Foreman on the show and they also host the Dan vs Dani series, critiquing each team’s Room Reveals every week.
The couple tied the knot in 2018 in an intimate ceremony on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.