Paralysed footy star Alex McKinnon takes a huge leap forward in his new career
A little over three months ago it was revealed on Instagram that the former Newcastle Knights star, who suffered a horror injury during a match in 2014, which left him paralysed from the waist down, was starting a role with healthcare company, Alike Health.
The 33-year-old joined the specialist healthcare firm as its Head of Growth and Partnerships having previously worked with the organisation as a Lived Experience Consultant.
It was revealed on Tuesday that his role is now changing within the company, with the former footy player now offering Psychosocial Recovery coaching.
'With a background in Psychological Science, professional sport, and a lived experience of resilience and change, Alex brings genuine understanding and practical support to those navigating psychosocial disability,' Alike wrote on Instagram.
The organisation added they were 'thrilled' to announce the move.
Under his new role as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, McKinnon will provide support to those suffering from psychosocial disabilities with Alike announcing the news on Instagram
Under his new role as a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, McKinnon will provide support to those suffering from psychosocial disabilities.
The role aims to help individuals regain their independence and get back to doing things they enjoy.
It came after McKinnon announced earlier this year that he was set to commence a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Newcastle.
He had previously obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.
McKinnon, a father-of-three had faced an uncertain future 11 years ago after he was told it was unlikely he would walk again.
McKinnon had fractured his C4 and C5 vertebrae in a horror tackle on the footy pitch, during a game against Melbourne Storm.
He would later split from his wife Teigan Power in 2022, but has found love again with new partner Lily Mallone, a Fox Sports analyst.
The pair are understood to have begun dating while the 33-year-old was studying at university.
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A post shared by Alike Specialist Medical & Healthcare Hub (@alikehealth)
McKinnon (centre) graduated last year with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle
It was during his studies that he met new partner, Malone (left), with McKinnon going on to enrole in an MBA at Newcastle
It comes 11 years after the former Newcastle star was left paralysed during a horror tackle while playing against Melbourne Storm
'Going to university has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life,' McKinnon told The Daily Telegraph.
'One of the biggest frustrations when I got injured was that I had spent my whole life trying to fine-tune myself as an athlete to compete.
'And when all that gets taken away from you, it is soul destroying. Not only do you lose your identity, but all that hard work that you put in is now worth nothing.
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