It’s undoubtedly been one of the most testing times in former Dancing with the Stars contestant Jimmy Rees’s life, but things are finally looking up for the usually chipper television star.
On Monday, April 8, the nation was shocked after news that Jimmy’s newborn son Mack had been hospitalised, resulting in the 31-year-old’s withdrawal from Dancing with the Stars in order to be with his family.
In a heartbreaking video which aired on the show that night, Jimmy was seen breaking down as he spoke about the terrifying health scare, which left his newborn son Mack with an accidental cut to a major blood vessel during a routine procedure.
“Tori and I were with him and the doctors there rushed him into theatre to stop his bleeding from the little artery that ruptured … and he was flown into the ICU at the children’s hospital,” Jimmy said.
“But for a moment there Tori and I thought that he might not have made it.”
Jimmy Rees has shared a positive update about his young son’s health. (Image: @jimmyrees/Instagram)
When Mack was rushed to hospital, he needed immediate CPR and resuscitation – an event that no parent should have to witness.
But luckily, his young son made it through, and is now well on the road to recovery: “He’s a little trooper and I’ve just been by his side and giving him all the support he needs.”
Taking to his Instagram on Wednesday morning, Jimmy shared an adorable picture of himself wearing a Superman costume while holding little Mack.
Next to the image, he wrote: “We have a superhero party coming up, just trying the costumes on!!!
“We are all a fraction exhausted & delirious 😳!!”
He then said what we had all been waiting to hear: “Also, Mack is out of hospital and home, continuing his recovery, still has a very sore mouth but he is getting there. Wrapping him in cotton wool for a while now, the precious little fella.”
Jimmy shared this adorable picture of himself and a recovering Mack back at home. (Image: @jimmyrees/Instagram)
The image has been met with delight from fans who have flooded his Instagram with comments.
“So happy to hear about Mack! He’s been in my thoughts constantly since I heard the news,” wrote one fan.
Another wrote: “You guys are amazing ❤️ sending so much strength (and emoji coffee☕☕☕☕ cos we all know parents need caffeine)”
WATCH: Jimmy Rees and wife, Tori welcome twin boys. Story continues after video…
Jimmy’s Dancing co-stars were also devastated to hear the news that his young son had been unwell.
Host Amanda Keller was seen holding back tears during the show on Monday evening, calling it a “nightmare scenario”, and saying that it was “hard to talk” after seeing how Jimmy was struggling.
Friends and fans alike have flocked to show their support for the family over this testing time. (Image: @jimmyrees/Instagram)
Jimmy has been open about how things have changed after welcoming his two young sons, admitting that his schedule was slightly more difficult to manage.
“It’s been a big start to the year,” he told TV WEEK shortly after welcoming them to the world.
“When you’ve got two babies, it’s all hands on deck.”
The DWTS alum even admitted that raising his young twins was definitely harder than the gruelling work involved in training for the show.
“When the boys [Mack and Vinny] get going… well, the other night, they were tag-teaming on and off all night long!”
