Woman acts as surrogate for her best friend, who died before baby arrives

They’ve been best friends for more than 20 years.

So it came as no surprise that Jessica Brockie offered to act as surrogate for her BFF Bec Arena.

Bec was struggling with fertility issues due to her cystic fibrosis – an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body, according to Mayo Clinic.

Jes and her husband, Jeremy, a soccer player from New Zealand who now plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, were more than happy to give Bec and her husband, Gareth, the child they desperately hoped for.

But tragedy struck in September last year when Bec passed away and wasn’t able to meet her son, Rixon James, who was born in January, reports Metro News.

A devastated Gareth now has to face raising his baby boy alone but he’s determined to do the best he can for the newborn.

A family friend, Krystal Stevens, started a fundraising page to help the new dad raise his little one, according to Mirror News.

“This process has given Bec and Gareth a gift no money can buy but it’s still left them with huge ongoing expenses: medical bills, counselling fees, numerous flights to get Jess here [New Zealand] from her home in South Africa, lawyers fees and so much more,” Krystal wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“Bec was never one to talk about her hardships or to ask for help, even though she was battling personal struggles greater than we could ever truly understand.

“And now, even though he’s facing this huge financial and emotional mountain on his own, Gareth is just the same.”

Jessica, who now lives in Johannesburg, took to Twitter to thank the Arenas for allowing her to take this journey with them.

“And just like that Rixon James Arena has arrived in this world. What an amazing journey to be part of,” Jessica wrote. “Memories that @JRBrockie and I’ll treasure forever. Thank you, Bec and Gareth, for letting our family travel this road with you. #Surrogacy.”

Jeremy also said he admires his wife for her incredible sacrifice and act of kindness.

“Unbelievably proud of my wife, Jessica Brockie. To give up your time and body for someone else is incredibly special,” Jeremy says.

“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.”

Sources: metro.co.uk, stuff.co.nz, mirror.co.uk