The Block’s Robby and Mat join the World’s Greatest Shave following co-star’s tragic loss

Download photos of Robby and Mat's World's Greatest Shave.

The Block’s fan favourites – Robby and Mat – are swapping tools for hair trimmers for the World's Greatest Shave in a powerful show of solidarity with their close friend, builder Dave Reidy, following the heartbreaking loss of his wife Carly to blood cancer.

The Adelaide duo, who captured audiences during Season 21 (2025), are taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s iconic fundraiser, with Robby shaving Mat’s head to raise awareness and vital funds for Australians facing blood cancer.

Their decision comes after standing beside Dave during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.

Viewers were left saddened when Dave exited the show after receiving the devastating news, while filming, that Carly had been diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer. Just five months later, Carly tragically passed away, leaving behind her husband and their seven-year-old son, Gene.

Mat said taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave was deeply personal.

“Watching what Dave and his family went through changed everything for us,” said Mat.

“Shaving my head is such a small thing compared to what people facing blood cancer endure, but if it helps raise awareness and funds, then it’s absolutely worth it.”

Robby added, “We’re doing this for Carly, for Dave and Gene, and for every family in Australia going through this and facing devastating loss like they have.”

Carly was just 45 when she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-cell ALL) in May 2025. Prior to her diagnosis, she was an author, studying a Master of Education and looking forward to becoming a secondary school teacher, while raising her young family.

Her symptoms were subtle – fatigue and unexplained bruising – but the diagnosis was shocking. Carly underwent months of intensive chemotherapy at University Hospital Geelong, but tragically, treatment was unsuccessful.

Dave said the loss of Carly has left an immeasurable void in his and Gene’s life.

"Carly was everything to us – she was very well loved, super clever, funny and beautiful, and a wonderful mother and wife.

"Her blood cancer was very quick and aggressive and ultimately took her life – my son and I were blindsided by it."

Dave said it meant so much to him that Robby and Mat were raising awareness – helping to shine a light on blood cancer and the devastating impact it has on families like his.

"Robby and Mat have been such a source of support. The fact that they are doing the World's Greatest Shave is a really humbling and beautiful gesture from them," he said.

Now in its 28th year, the World’s Greatest Shave is one of Australia’s most iconic fundraisers, with around 20,000 participants signing up annually. Since its inception, more than 2 million Australians have taken part or donated, raising over $300 million.

According to Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti, the organisation has a bold goal to raise a further $12 million dollars this year, with blood cancer incidence on the rise in all age groups.

“Blood cancer remains one of Australia’s leading cancers and sadly no one is immune. It can affect anyone from newborn babies, children, adolescents and teenagers, younger adults and older – and quite frankly it’s taking far too many lives in its path,” said Mr Tanti.

“The World’s Greatest Shave is therefore critical to everything we do and to allow us to continue showing up for families like Dave’s impacted by the disease.

“It funds our accommodation services so families have a home away from home, helps cover transport to treatment, and ensures families have access to information, education and emotional support when they need it most.

“It also allows us to invest in vital blood cancer research that will lead to better treatments, better outcomes and, ultimately, fewer Australians like Carly losing their life to the disease in the future.”

Today, more than 170,000 Australians are living with blood cancerⁱ, with many facing the added emotional toll of hair loss during treatment.

Robby and Mat are urging Australians to get involved – whether by shaving, cutting or colouring their hair, or donating to someone who is.

“This is about standing with people who don’t have a choice. If shaving your head can give someone hope, start a conversation, or help fund life-saving research, then it’s a no-brainer,” said Mat.

"We’d love to see as many Aussies as possible get behind it.”

To donate to Robby and Mat’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign, please visit worldsgreatestshave.com, click donate, and search ‘Robby and Mat’. Every single dollar helps Australians living with blood cancer.

To request an interview with Mat, please contact Madeleine at [email protected] or call 0448 840 846.