Oh daddy! Alex McKinnon’s miracle baby

EASTER miracles do happen. Just ask the amazing Alex McKinnon. The former rugby league star is to become a father four years after the devastating spinal injury that left him a quadriplegic.

EASTER miracles do happen. Just ask the amazing Alex McKinnon.

The former rugby league star is to become a father four years after the devastating spinal injury that left him a quadriplegic.

McKinnon and wife Teigan yesterday announced they are expecting their bundle of joy on their wedding anniversary, October 8.

Having kept their incredible news secret for more than a month, the excited couple dropped the bombshell news via Twitter moments after receiving their 12-week scan yesterday.

Alex McKinnon posted on Instagram “Baby McKinnon coming soon".

“It’s been a long 12 weeks,’’ an excited Alex told The Daily Telegraph. “I’ve wanted to tell some of my friends and family, but we just wanted to be sure.

“We’re both absolutely pumped. The baby is due on our wedding day (anniversary) which is just awesome.

Alex McKinnon and Teigan Power have achieved so much in four year. Picture: Instagram

“Everything this far has been a massive team effort and this will be no different.’’

Teigan, 24, added: “I can’t wait to see Alex as a father.’’

“It’s amazing to share this with our friends and family ... finally. To say we’re excited, is an understatement.’’

Alex and Teigan McKinnon, after announcing he will be on the corporate speaking circuit.

Teigan also joked she would now need no excuse to nibble on an extra chocolate egg this weekend.

Only the couple’s parents and Alex’s much-loved Nan were aware of the news prior to yesterday’s scan.

“I told my Nan a couple of weeks ago and she asked ‘when can I tell people?’.

Alex McKinnon drives from Newcastle to Sydney

McKinnon walking with assistance

Alex McKinnon opens up about emotions

“I reckon she’d be screaming it from the streets now,’’ Alex said.

What makes the news even more remarkable is the timing of their announcement. Last weekend — March 24 — was exactly four years since Alex suffered a devastating spinal injury in a tackle while playing for the Newcastle Knights against Melbourne in 2014.

Alex McKinnon defied the odds to stand as he married his partner Teigan. Picture: Instagram

“We would never have thought four years ago we would be in this position,’’ Alex, 26, said. “Every day has been a new day and we’ve worked hard together to get to this point.

“Getting married was special, but we always knew the next step would be to try and become parents. We’ve been trying pretty much since our wedding day. We just felt the timing was right for us.’’

Alex, who grew up in Aberdeen, is an only child and has made no secret of his desire to become a father.

He feared his shocking spinal injury could shatter his dream.

Alex McKinnon doing the hard work in rehab.

“I just love kids and being a father was always something I was hoping I could be,’’ Alex said.

“Teigs will be an amazing mother, she’s an absolute natural around kids. As a primary school teacher, it’s just awesome that she’ll soon have her own little boy or girl to love and care for.’’

Asked what his parents said when told the news, Alex said: “Mum said that our wedding day was her favourite day of her life, but she said this will now go past that.’’

Originally published as Oh daddy! Alex McKinnon’s miracle baby