When Ellidy Pullin’s partner, three-time Olympian snowboarder Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, tragically drowned while spearfishing off Queensland’s Palm Beach in July 2020, she held onto hope that she was pregnant.
The couple had been trying to conceive and had been considering IVF, so amid insurmountable grief, she collected Chumpy’s sperm in hopes of conceiving the child they so yearned for.
“I didn’t want Chump to just die and be gone. I felt this was bringing a part of him back,” Ellidy revealed her decision.
“We’d wanted a baby, and I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more right then than a person I could love and cherish.
“I knew I had the best support around me. So I went with my gut, and I wasn’t afraid. I just trusted the process.”
Ellidy and Chumpy had been trying for a baby before his death.
(Image: Instagram)Sperm retrieval is legal in Queensland on the grounds the deceased wouldn’t object, but the process is complicated.
On her podcast Darling, Shine!, Ellidy discussed her frantic rush to collect her late husband’s sperm, revealing that she and Chumpy’s parents and Ellidy had deal with lawyers, coroners, and doctors.
She also had to sign countless documents and attend counselling before her IVF treatments, describing the process on her podcast.
“They were asking questions like ‘Are you going to tell the kid about its dad or are you not?’ ‘What are you going to do when it’s asking [about] its dad?’ ‘How are you going to do pregnancy, birth and motherhood alone?’
“It was such a triggering process,” she recounted.
Ellidy may not have “imagined” she would do IVF on her own, but 15 months later she fell pregnant on her second round of IVF.
The duo were always off on adventures!
(Image: Instagram)“It’s the most bittersweet thing in the world, and it’s a complete emotional rollercoaster, but this is my greatest gift. It didn’t unravel the way we planned, life is literally crazy, but we’re having our baby,” she announced on her podcast.
“I’ve got to be a dad and a mum in one, and not just any dad, I’ve got to be a Chumpy dad.”
Her miracle baby came into the world on October 25, 2021, and she honoured Chumpy by giving their daughter his name: Minnie Alex Pullin.
Ellidy expresses how perfect life with Minnie has been.
“Now that she’s here, I just know that was so meant to be. I see and feel so much of Chump in her. I know I’ve done the right thing so wholeheartedly.
“Late at night, when I’m feeding, I have this gut knowing that he’s [Chumpy] around us. I feel so supported. I feel like he must be around guiding me or helping me.”
Ellidy shared a birthday tribute to Chumpy.
(Image: Instagram)On the 20th of September 2023, Ellidy paid tribute to her partner on his birthday.
“Happy Birthday Chumpy in the sky,” she wrote on Instagram. “I miss you, I miss us. I miss every little thing.”
Her friends and family left loving comments on the post, with one commenting on how much Minnie looks like her late father.
Since Ellidy met her baby girl, she has shared precious insights into their life, and you can enjoy their cutest pictures in the gallery below.
Ellidy Pullin
Ellidy’s baby belly was so cute!
Ellidy Pullin
She arrived!
Ellidy Pullin
With all her loves surrounding near, the mother-of-one baby and two fur babies wrote, “Chumpy’s Daughters 💫.”
Ellidy Pullin
Minnie was her mumma’s total mini-me in their matching shorts and onesie.
Ellidy Pullin
“Cannot believe this chick has been rocking my world for a month now🤍.”
Ellidy Pullin
The Pullin girls enjoying their tropical paradise.
Ellidy Pullin
“She’s an island girrrrllllll,” gushed Ellidy with her water baby poking her tiny tongue out.
Ellidy Pullin
But perhaps Minnie is more partial to beach water than the bath. “See how much she loved her first bath,” her mum joked.
Ellidy Pullin
Snuggles with a Harbour Bridge view? The sweet life!
Ellidy Pullin
“It was you all along, Minnie🤍.”
In exclusive photos for The Weekly, Ellidy cradles baby Minnie – her little miracle.
“I think he would be proud. I hope he would be proud,” Ellidy sayd of Chumpy.
“I see and feel so much of Chump in her.”
Ellidy brought Minnie along for her appearance on Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley’s Life Uncut podcast in February 2022.
“She’s an island girrrrllllll.”
Minnie napped next to her fury big sister Rumi.
Ellidy’s brother Dave is every inch the doting uncle to Minnie.
Ellidy is making sure her little girl is at home in the ocean from a young age.
The proud mum has a tribute tattoo on her arm that reads “MInnie Alex Pullin”, for both her daughter and late husband.
This sweet black and white snap shows the bond between mother and daughter.
There were plenty of cuddles for the family dog too.
“Straight after a Minnie meltdown.”
Minnie enjoyed some quality time with her godmother Chloe Chapman.
“I can nottttttt deal with my kid😍😍😍 why are youuuu so fkn cute like your dadda,” Ellidy captioned this utterly adorable photo in April.
Minnie often accompanies her stunning mum to photoshoots!
Minnie is lucky to be surrounded by doting aunties – AKA Ellidy’s best girlfriends!
She’s growing up so fast!
“Morning Minnie is my favourite Minnie.”
“Pullin gene is strong.” Minnie couldn’t have looked happier while hanging out with her late father’s parents.
Their first mother/daughter campaign! Ellidy was all smiles as she showed Minnie their Bonds window.
In July 2022, Minnie embarked on her first overseas holiday! Ellidy and her mini-me took in the stunning views of the Greek Islands.
“Minnie goes global 🌎”
Ellidy and Minnie donned matching T-shirts in Greece!
Aww! Ellidy’s mum joined her and Minnie for their European adventure.
They’re a seriously stylish mother/daughter duo.
Minnie couldn’t have looked more in her element while visiting Greece.
Kisses from mum!
The holiday continues…
All tuckered out! Ellidy captured this adorable snap of Minnie sleeping in her suitcase during their whirlwind European holiday.
Minnie is already a natural in front of the camera!
Just like her daddy! Minnie has grown so much and already looks so much like Chumpy.
The holiday continues! Minnie and Ellidy couldn’t have looked happier while continuing their Spanish getaway in August.
Ellidy said she is making the most of travelling with Minnie before she starts to walk!
Oops!
“My little crumpet 💚”
Minnie’s hair is getting longer!
Those chubby arms!
Not even one year old yet but already travelling the world!
Minnie takes Paris!
Minnie had her first ever surfing lesson on the day of her late father, Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin’s birthday
Naaw kisses for Minnie!
Matching PJs = too cute!
Going to a gig with mum requires earmuffs!
Great spot for a nap!
How about that cute outfit!!
Helping mumma sign books!
This is the ULTIMATE Santa photo!
Follows her dad’s footsteps as she starts snowboarding.
Minding her own business on a boat in Italy… we wish!
Minnie with her Yia Yia (Grandma in Greek) on the beach in Greece.
THE BANGS!!! Everyone comments on Minnie being a mini-me of her late father Alex.
Ellidy reflected on pictures via Instagram before Minnie turns two.
Best friends! Minnie and her dog taking a nap together.
Ellidy released her book Heart Strong in 2022.
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