Bubbly Jess Dover stole hearts competing alongside boyfriend Jared Petrenko on this year’s House Rules.
Now the loveable brunette has taken to Instagram to share some heartbreaking news, revealing her father passed away in June – while the hit series was airing.
Writing to her 36,000 followers, Jess wrote: ‘This year I am very proud to be supporting Daffodil Day in support of life saving Cancer Research.
‘Today means a lot to me this year because I lost my Dad to cancer in June (I didn’t really speak about it at the time as it was right in the thick of House Rules airing and didn’t really want to announce it).
‘But while I was away filming for House Rules my Dad was told he had 4-6 months left. Having a bit remaining on the show made this time very difficult but my Dad was honestly living through my crazy life and didn’t for a minute want me to give it up.
‘He loved hearing about everything we were getting up to from limestone walls to statement pieces and wallpapering (pretty much anything building related, dad built everything from houses to hot rods and house boats, so loved hearing it all!).’
Jess continues, ‘Once I got home his health started to heavily decline but every night he’d be there, TV up loud ready to watch us! The show was a big distraction, something else to talk about other then hospital visits and blood transfusions I guess. He didn’t miss an episode, magazine cut out or tv appearance. I’m just so glad he got to see a bit of the madness and that it brought him so much joy and happiness through those very tough last months. So this year I’m wearing my flower for Dad, love you ❤️✨
Jess finishes her emotional post by encouraging her followers to get involved in cancer fundraising.
‘Like so many of us Cancer has touched our lives in more ways than we would have liked. So please if you see a Daffodil stand today please purchase a flower or a badge in support of Cancer Research. Each day 27 South Australians are diagnosed with Cancer, let’s get those numbers down 🌼🙏🏻 #cancercouncilsa #daffodilday#cancerresearch‘
Since House Rules ending, Jess and Jared have announced they’ve adopted a puppy – which arrives on September 1st!
