Just weeks after being left paralysed from a catastrophic rugby tackle in 2014, Alex McKinnon proposed to his girlfriend and vowed that he would one day walk her down the isle.
Now, the long-time lovers are set to say their ‘I do’ on Sunday, and no one is more thrilled than the former NRL forward’s fiance, Teigan Power.
Sharing frequent updates to social media, McKinnon’s loyal partner has closely documented her fiance’s rehabilitation journey.
Having defied odds by standing up just 10 months on from the accident, and most recently, walking with the assistance of physical therapists, it looks like McKinnon may just pull off his promise to stand at the altar with his bride.
Former NRL forward Alex McKinnon will marry his long-time partner Teigan Power on Sunday, after proposing to her three weeks after suffering a catastrophic rugby tackle in 2014
In a video shared to the brunette beauty’s Instagram two weeks ago, the normally wheelchair bound McKinnon can be seen slowly striding down the length of a room.
While requiring the support of two ‘crew’ members, who aid in guiding his steps forward, the inspiring young man seems determined as ever.
‘So PROUD of all the hard work @alexmmckinnon puts into his rehab!,’ his doting wife-to-be wrote.
Adding, ‘So grateful to have such a determined man by my side.’
The inspiring young man was left in an induced coma for three days after suffering a disastrous tackle in round three of the 2014 NRL season in a match against Melbourne Storm.
Ms Power shared a video two weeks ago of McKinnon slowly striding down the length of a room with the assistance of physical therapists
Ms Power’s unwavering commitment to her partner’s recovery hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated, with McKinnon frequently crediting his partner for getting him through tough times.
Earlier in the year, the 25-year-old said he was determined to, at the very least, be standing at the altar for when his bride walked down the aisle.
But at the time, he was uncertain if he’d be strong enough by his Big Day to be able to step down the formal passage solo.
‘I’ll definitely be standing at the wedding, that’s something which I’m excited about, standing up in the aisle, waiting for Teigan to come down,’ he told The Advocate in June.
When it comes to his bride however, Ms Power is just thrilled to be marrying the man she loves.
The long-time lovers are set to say their ‘I dos’ on Sunday, and no one is more thrilled than the former NRL forward’s fiance, Teigan Power
‘It doesn’t worry me either way if he walks me or is just standing at the altar; I still get to marry the man of my dreams,’ she told Body and Soul in December.
McKinnon’s supportive partner has constantly been by his side since his accident and was there to share his joy as he stood for the first time in 2014.
Their relationship has stood the true test of time and perseverance, with Ms Power telling Daily Mail Australia the accident allowed them to form an even stronger bond than before.
‘It’s definitely brought us closer as a couple, we’re spending a lot more time together which is nice,’ she said.
Ms Power shared to her Instagram on September 10 that her wedding day was exactly four weeks away
Final preparations are under way as the pair enjoy their last day as boyfriend and girlfriend, with Ms Power excitedly sharing the date of their wedding to Instagram four weeks ago.
‘To say @alexmmckinnon and I are excited is an understatement! 4 weeks until we say “I do”,’ she wrote alongside a loved-up photo of the two.
The couple first hit it off in 2010 when they were introduced through mutual friends at a New South Wales, Upper Hunter Region pub.
They remained friends for a year, and the following year commenced dating which had McKinnon travelling five hours most weekends from Woolongong to Denman to visit his girlfriend.
The couple first hit it off in 2010 when they were introduced through mutual friends at a New South Wales, Upper Hunter Region pub