Justin Hemmes reveals daughter’s name, and what his late father would have thought
EXCLUSIVE: Pub tycoon Justin Hemmes has revealed the name of his baby daughter and the inspiration behind it, and said he cried as he delivered her himself.
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PUB tycoon Justin Hemmes has revealed the name of his baby daughter – and said he cried as he delivered her himself.
Alexa Merivale Hemmes is the name he and girlfriend Kate Fowler, 25, have decided on.
They took inspiration from his mother who the family firm Merivale was named after, he exclusively told Manly Daily’s new celebrity and lifestyle news column #beachlife, which launched today.
Hemmes, who is now renovating northern beaches venue the Newport Arms, said he also cut the cord at the birth.
“I received the baby,” he revealed. “I was bawling.
“She’s adorable. It’s the most wonderful experience.”
Hemmes, 42, said his girlfriend gave birth without drugs – and said it was “unbelievable”.
“There were a few complications. (Alexa) was spun around, which made it difficult,” he said.
“I just discovered a whole new level of love and respect for my partner.”
When asked if he would be getting married to Fowler, who he has been dating for just over a year, he said: “As far as I’m concerned, we are married.”
And while Hemmes is worth millions and would be spoiling Alexa, he wanted her to learn the value of money.
“As long as you understand the ethics of working and how hard it is to make a dollar,” he said.
The couple found out they were expecting the same day Hemmes’ father, John, 83, died.
“He said ‘I think you are having a boy’,” Hemmes said.
“But if he was around he would be even more excited that it was a girl. He was very affectionate and loving and a little girl is the epitome of love and affection.”
Hemmes said there would be no pressure for Alexa to take over the Merivale empire.
“It would be lovely for her to go into the family business,” he said.
“I just want my child to be the happiest person they can be.”
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