Touching moment The Block's Dani Wales first saw artwork painted in memory of her late daugher Billie: 'Gives us purpose'

The Block's Dani Reilly has opened up about the loss of her and husband Dan's daughter Billie following artist Kerry Armstrong's generous donation to a charity in honour of Billie.

The couple announced the passing of their daughter, Billie Vera Reilly, in December 2024 at 10 days old.

In a powerful tribute to love, loss and legacy, Studio Gallery founder Kerry Armstrong created I Am Love – a breathtaking artwork dedicated to Dan and Dani's late daughter Billie.

The painting, valued at $22,800 has been donated to raise funds for Billie's Besties Fund which supports NICU families through the Women's Hospital.

Dani, who has been incredibly open in sharing her experience, explained just how much the support means to her:

"Losing Billie was, and continues to be, the hardest thing we have ever been through, but knowing that her name is helping other families through their own NICU journeys gives us purpose."

To commemorate the initiative, a special series of photos was taken at Studio Gallery, capturing the emotional moment Dani saw the artwork for the first time.

In a reflection written on her Instagram page, Dani said: "It felt strange to smile for this photo… but when I think of Billie and the impact she continues to have, I can't help but smile (even through tears), always. Knowing this artwork was created in her honour makes it all the more meaningful."

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Speaking about her decision to donate the piece, Kerry said: "I painted 'I Am Love' immediately after I read about Dan and Dani's devastating loss of Billie.

"The emotions I felt and empathy towards them came through in the most beautiful, ethereal way onto the linen and I was compelled to write an accompanying verse which is forever captured with my handwriting on the back of the piece."

The verse reads: "I will temp you, I am love, I will hold you - I am love, I will bruise you - I am love, I will teach you - I am love, I will do it all in my time - I am love, I will be forever - I am love."

Dan and Dani have been actively raising funds in Billie's honour, already collecting over $35,000 for NICU support.

Kerry's donation will further this effort, offering one collector the opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of art while contributing to a life-changing cause.

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Dan and Dani shared Billie's story on her official fundraising page.

"After three long years, our dream of becoming parents finally came true. Through IVF, we conceived our Billie – a much-wanted and deeply loved baby girl. From the very beginning, she was strong, thriving through pregnancy, and we couldn't wait to meet her.

"But in the moments before her arrival, everything changed. Billie suffered distress during birth, the cause of which will never be known, and her tiny body was deprived of oxygen for too long.

"Despite the incredible efforts of the NICU team, the damage was too severe, and our beautiful Billie was unable to survive."

For 10 days The Women's NICU became home for Dan, Dani and Billie.

"The doctors, nurses, and staff (affectionately known as 'Billie's Besties') didn't just care for Billie; they cared for us as a family. They held space for our love, our grief, and our need to make memories in the time we had."

The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of a baby or child on 1300 308 307.

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