Alex Fevola reveals tragic circumstances of being a single parent to eldest daughter Mia

Alex Fevola has revealed she nearly died on the same day her eldest daughter’s father passed away, “and Mia was nearly left without parents”.

Alex and Mia Fevola. Picture: Instagram

Alex Fevola is revealing her real life story for the first time, sharing never before told details about her relationship with Brendan and the tragic circumstances that led to her being a single parent to eldest daughter Mia.

The mother of four, who shares three daughters with ex-AFL star Brendan, has written her first book called Silver Linings to give others hope that they can get through bad times.

Alex says she nearly lost her life the same day Mia’s father suddenly passed away.

“I was 22, I was Mia’s age now when I had her,’’ Fevola said.

“I’ve never spoken about this. The same day (her father) died I was struck down with a health emergency so I actually nearly died. So it’s that double whammy — I’ve had something so terrible happen but on the very same day I nearly died myself and Mia was nearly left without parents.”

Mia Fevola with her parents, Brendan and Alex Fevola at her birthday party.

Fevola has been keeping a life journal since the age of 20 and decided two years ago she would start the process to put it out there in her own words.

“It is really a personal story which is scary,’’ she said.

“Over the years a lot of people have questioned Mia, saying Fev’s not your real dad why are you lying about it.

“It’s never been anything that’s lied about, it’s that she hasn’t had her biological father.

“Brendan raised her and that’s how it’s always been. It’s something I didn’t discuss while Mia was a child and I wanted to wait until she’s an adult.

“It’s a personal story but I feel there’ll be people out there who will really relate to what I’ve been through and for others going through something similar they’re not alone and not the only ones who have experienced that.”

Fevola said it would have helped her in the tough times to know others had gone through similar experiences.

Alex Fevola. Picture: Instagram

“At the time I felt I could never be happy again, I was never going to come out of the darkness, it was so overwhelming,’’ she said.

“That was why back then once I got back on my feet and got my life back together I did decide to write about it. There was no social media back then and there was no way of connecting or reading about someone else’s story.

“For me to relate, ending up a single parent, all the stuff I went through, hopefully it’ll help others and explain our situation a bit more.”

Fevola said she always had people reaching out to her for advice or guidance and the time felt right to share her story.

She explores the turbulent relationship with Brendan, motherhood and how she created her business empire, Runway Room.

Brendan and Alex Fevola. Picture: Lucas Dawson

“There’s been so much speculation over the years about Brendan and I and it is nice to say, ‘you know what, this is actually what happened and this is the truth and this is how I felt at the time’,’’ she said.

“I haven’t really spoken about anything too personal at all. I do feel now it’s a good time to lay it all out and say what happened and move on and not have people questioning everything.

“Whether it’s gambling, separation, going through a divorce or being a single parent... now more than ever it’s a strong message. Particularly I want younger to people to know bad things happen and it's a cliché but the bad times make the good times better and you can recognise when things are great.”

Silver Linings: A Journey to Happiness is available where all good books are sold from April 2022. Pre-order now at dymocks.com.au