How miracle daughter Minnie ‘saved’ Ellidy after the tragic death of sporting hero Chumpy Pullin

After champion snowboard Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin died from spearfishing, his wife Ellidy made a life-changing decision which led to their daughter, Minnie.

Ellidy Pullin and daughter, Minni. Picture: Hannah Scott-Stevenson

Ellidy Pullin says having her daughter Minnie “saved” her following the tragic death of her husband, champion snowboarder Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin.

Chumpy, who was one of Melbourne’s home town sporting heroes, died while spearfishing in Queensland in July 2020. Fifteen months after his devastating passing Ellidy gave birth to Minnie who she conceived via IVF using sperm that had been retrieved from her husband hours after his death.

Her unique story has been of inspiration and fascination to women around the world.

Ellidy and Minnie are the stars of clothing brand Seed’s Mother’s Day campaign which celebrates the bond between mothers and daughters.

“I always wanted to be a mother and we had been trying and then when Chump passed away the dream seemed to be over,” Ellidy said.

Ellidy Pullin said as Minnie grew, she was becoming more like her father. Picture: Hannah Scott-Stevenson

“Obviously we did have that glimmer of hope, we knew we had his sperm, but it was not on my mind immediately after everything happened.”

Several months later she embarked on IVF seeking her family dream.

“She has given me a purpose and I feel like I have saved a bit of Chump’s life in having a child,” Ellidy said of Minnie, now 18 months old.

“Minnie has just been a little dream, It was so just meant to be.

“I could not fathom if this didn’t happen. I just feel so lucky. We are creating a new modern family.”

Pullin said as Minnie grows she is becoming more like her father.

“They look the same, they have the same eyes, and she loves music. She hears a song and starts dancing,” Ellidy said.

“He (Chumpy) was a musician and particularly loved his guitar and she has got heaps of guitars. She is always picking it up, trying to take it into kinder.

Ellidy and her dearest mate Chloe Fisher host the popular Darling, Shine! podcast.

They are potentially taking the podcast on the road for a series of live shows later in the year.