Football: Jeremy Brockie's wife Jessica gives birth to surrogate child

Kiwi footballer Jeremy Brockie's wife, Jessica, has given birth to a baby boy after becoming a surrogate. Photo / Twitter.

Kiwi footballer Jeremy Brockie's wife, Jessica, has given birth to a baby boy after becoming a surrogate for the couple's friends.

Jessica carried the child of Bec and Gareth Arena as Bec suffering from cystic fibrosis made their road to parenthood a difficult one.

Brockie tweeted about the birth, saying how proud he was of Jessica.

Unbelievably proud of my wife @jessicabrockie to give up your time and body for someone else is incredibly special!It’s been such a great journey to be involved in and so glad we could do this side by side. To be able to help another family like this is so rewarding. #surrogacy pic.twitter.com/ZMIUimoUZZ

— Jeremy Brockie (@JRBrockie) January 20, 2018

However, while Gareth was welcoming his son into the world, it would be a process he undertook alone as Bec passed away in September 2017.

And just like that, Rixon James Arena has arrived in this world!
What an amazing journey to be a part of. Memories that @JRBrockie and I will treasure forever 💙

Thank you Bec & Gareth for letting our family travel this road with you. #surrogacy pic.twitter.com/3jsOSO28Hf

— Jessica Brockie (@jessicabrockie) January 20, 2018

Someone close to the family started a GoFundMe page to help cover bills including getting Jessica back to New Zealand from South Africa, where Brockie is signed with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier League Soccer competition.