Latest news with #ZackGeorge
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Gladiators star reveals heartbreaking moment he knew that newborn son wouldn't survive as he launches charity
GLADIATORS favourite Zack George has revealed the devastating moment he realised his newborn son wouldn't survive. The TV strongman, 35, opened up about the tragedy as he launches a charity in the little boy's name, saying he hopes the new foundation will help other families facing the same heartbreak. 4 4 Zack - who is better known as Steel - told the Mirror how Leo was born "really strong", before things took a downward turn two days into his life. Initially, Leo was placed on a ventilator, but after responding well he was taken off it and provided with CPAP, a non-invasive way of keeping airways open. However, when he was retubed after six hours, it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe. As well as suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in the heart and collapsing lungs, air pockets began to form around his lungs. Zack said: "Around the tenth day they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. "It's no one's fault, a baby that young is really fragile, it's just a risk. 'That was really hard, because if it hadn't happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. "Overnight, he got quite bad, that's when we went in and he passed away.' Zack and his partner Samantha made the heartbreaking decision to go against giving Leo CPR. They couldn't ask Leo to fight any more, having already witnessed him go through so much. Gladiator Steel shares heartbreaking images from baby son's funeral after his devastating death at just 13 days old Samantha said: 'Imagine that on a baby so tiny? We didn't want to put him through any more pain.' Zack announced Leo's tragic death with a heartbreaking picture of he and Samantha holding him. He wrote on Instagram: "Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left. "Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you. Where to get support for bereavement There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. NHS therapy and counselling service s - NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over. You can speak to your GP about talking therapies or get in touch with the talking therapies service directly without going to your GP. At a loss - Find bereavement services and counselling across the UK Child Bereavement UK - Offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you're a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone. The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK. Samaritans – if you're struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything. "You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that." He continued: "Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn't have to make that decision for you." "Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know. Rest easy our little boy." Now, Zack and Samantha are launching Leo And Friends — a charity set up in memory of their son to raise awareness and funds for Leicester Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. The first event, 13 Days Fighting, sponsored by Currys, will see challenges take place across the UK this month. 'I want to turn something so awful into something positive,' Zack said. 'Every year we'll honour him with a new challenge — and raise money for the incredible staff who cared for him.' Zack's first challenge will be a burpee mile – 800 burpees – every day for each of the 13 days that his son lived. 'Just doing one mile is hard,' said Zack. 'Doing 13 back to back will be extremely tough, but I want that. I'm looking forward to the challenge.' 4 4
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gladiator star Steel fears medical procedure contributed to his baby son's death
When little Leo arrived in March just 23 weeks into her pregnancy, mum Samantha and his Gladiators star father Zack George feared their much loved baby wouldn't even survive the birth. At 23 weeks pregnant, their precious little boy had come frighteningly early. Yet like his dad Zack, 35, Leo proved to be a warrior. "He had Zack's nose and forehead," beams Samantha. "We said to the doctors, 'As long as you feel there is a chance of life, do whatever you can.'" Before falling pregnant with Leo, Zack – known as Steel on Gladiators – and wife Samantha were already parents to two year old Ivy. READ MORE: Orlando Bloom 'shows true colours as he 'humiliates' ex Katy Perry over new lover READ MORE: Vicky Pattison's Strictly warning amid fresh scandal - 'she needs to look after herself' Zack and Samantha wed last year at Harlaxton Manor in Grantham, surrounded by loved ones and fellow Gladiators. "We always said we wanted to give Ivy a sibling," explains Samantha. "We married in September and were pregnant at the end of October. We were so chuffed." The pregnancy had been progressing smoothly, and at their 20-week scan, Samantha and Zack were thrilled to learn they were expecting a son. "It was perfect," adds Zack. "We always wanted a boy and a girl." They were therefore stunned when, just two weeks later, Samantha sensed something wasn't right. At hospital, doctors informed her she was in labour – and explained their choices. "They give you a piece of paper that basically tells you the likelihood of your baby surviving, and if they do, the possibilities of issues with their sight, hearing, and other disabilities," explains Zack, who was informed that merely 28 out of 100 infants born as prematurely as Leo survive and get to leave hospital to go home with their families. "They weren't great stats. We could have chosen an abortion," admits Zack. "But that never would have been an option." Zack and Samantha were familiar with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as their niece had arrived at 24 weeks and, defying expectations, she'd thrived. They remained hopeful that Leo would follow a similar path and the initial indicators appeared encouraging. "He had everything going for him," recalls Zack. "He was big, he had a good heart rate." The couple determined their little one should have a powerful name. "So he became Leo the Lion because he was strong and he was fighting," Zack explains. Initially, Leo appeared to be beating the statistics. "It's such a rocky road," reflects Samantha. "But when your baby comes out alive, you think, 'We're just going to get through this now.'". Zack mirrored Samantha's optimism, and they remained beside their son's bedside, encouraging him to persevere. "He was here for 13 days," recalls Zack. "He came out and he was really strong. There was a honeymoon period where for the first day or two everything seemed to be going really well. So well, they decided to take him off the ventilator. He lasted about six hours on CPAP (a non-invasive form of breathing support), then they retubed him, which he stayed on. "After the 'honeymoon stage' – the first two days – things started to happen, like brain bleeds," reveals Zack. "Leo needed blood transfusions, which is normal; his lungs were collapsing, which they expected, there was a hole in his heart and that's expected, too, as that hole in the heart closes up in later pregnancy." However, another medical concern began to trouble the doctors. "He was getting air pockets around his lungs," Zack explains. "Around the tenth day they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. It's no one's fault, a baby that young is really fragile, it's just a risk." Tragically, little Leo's condition worsened and Zack and Samantha's family were called in to say their final goodbyes. "That was really hard, because if it hadn't happened, he would probably still be here," Zack admits. "A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. Overnight, he got quite bad, that's when we went in and he passed away." The doctors offered Samantha and Zack the option of trying CPR, but they couldn't bear to see Leo suffer any more. "Imagine that on a baby so tiny?" Samantha says. "We didn't want to put him through any more pain." Ivy, their daughter, never had the chance to meet her brother, and Samantha and Zack have decided to wait until she's older to tell her about what happened. But as they grieved, Ivy brought them some comfort. "Ivy definitely helped," says Zack. "She brought us a lot of joy, kept us smiling and was a good distraction. She has helped us more than she'll ever know." Zack and Samantha have supported one another through their grief, and they've received comfort from fans who have contacted them to share their own heartbreaking experiences. Following Leo's passing, Samantha felt "switched off from the whole world" but Zack helped her through the darkness. "It makes you realise you've married the right person," says Samantha, her eyes shining with tears. Zack channelled his emotions into penning a poem which he delivered at Leo's funeral and started considering ways to celebrate his son's legacy. "I'm not normally good at writing poems, but it seemed to come quite naturally." Now Zack and Samantha are establishing their charity Leo And Friends, which will promote awareness whilst raising funds for Leicester hospital's NICU department. It begins with a fundraiser called 13 Days Fighting, sponsored by Currys, which will occur throughout the UK this month. "I want to try to get something positive out of a really bad situation," Zack says. "We want to honour him every year with a different challenge and raise awareness and money for Leicester hospital and its amazing staff." Zack's initial challenge will involve completing a burpee mile – approximately 800 burpees – daily, for each of the 13 days that his son survived. "Just doing one mile is hard," says Zack. "Doing 13 back to back will be extremely tough, but I want that. I'm looking forward to the challenge." Zack and Samantha are still coming to terms with their loss, but they have hopes of welcoming another baby in the future. "I love Ivy so much I want to give her a friend for life. We've been given the OK to try again when we're ready." Both Samantha and Zack believe that their baby Leo is watching over them and will forever be a part of their family. "It's been a really short time, but I need to fill that void," shares Samantha. "We want another baby, another little boy, but we both say, 'Whatever Leo decides to give us.' People say you'll never replace Leo, but I do feel my next baby will be a big part of him." Follow Zack during his 13 Days Fighting Burpee Challenge at @zackgeorge and @leoandfriendsfoundation. For more information about the challenge, how to get involved and how to donate, visit
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gladiators star Steel reveals delicate medical procedure contributed to newborn son Leo's death
GLADIATORS star Zack George and wife Samantha have revealed how a delicate procedure in hospital likely contributed to their newborn son's death. Leo tragically died in April, aged just 13 days, after being born prematurely at 23 weeks. 3 3 TV star Zack, 35, who is better known as Steel, told the Mirror how Leo was born "really strong", before things took a downward turn two days into his life. Initially, Leo was placed on a ventilator, but after responding well he was taken off it and provided with CPAP, a non-invasive way of keeping airways open. However, when he was retubed after six hours, it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe. As well as suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in the heart and collapsing lungs, air pockets began to form around his lungs. Zack said: "Around the tenth day they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. It's no one's fault, a baby that young is really fragile, it's just a risk. 'That was really hard, because if it hadn't happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. Overnight, he got quite bad, that's when we went in and he passed away.' The couple decided against giving Leo CPR having already witnessed him go through so much. Zack announced Leo's tragic death with a heartbreaking picture of he and Samantha holding him. He wrote on Instagram: "Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left. "Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you. "You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that." He continued: "Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn't have to make that decision for you." "Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know. "Rest easy our little boy." Zack's Gladiators co-stars sent their heartfelt tributes. Strictly star Montell Douglas, known as Fire, shared a message which read: "RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers are with you both." Ella-Mae Rayner, known as Comet, shared: "Cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. Sending you both all the love and strength in the world. We are all here for you." Jodie Ounsley, Fury, wrote: "My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hugs." Alex Gray, known as Apollo, shared hearts and Jade Packer (Electro) said: "Leo, sending so much love & light." The couple, who also have a daughter called Ivy, laid Leo to rest in May. Where to get support for bereavement There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. NHS therapy and counselling service s - NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over. You can speak to your GP about talking therapies or get in touch with the talking therapies service directly without going to your GP. At a loss - Find bereavement services and counselling across the UK Child Bereavement UK - Offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you're a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone. The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK. Samaritans – if you're struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything. 3
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gladiators star 'Steel' mourns loss of newborn son at emotional funeral
Gladiators star 'Steel' mourns loss of newborn son at emotional funeral Zack George, who is known for his appearance on the TV show Gladiators, has paid an emotional tribute to his son Leo, who died at just 13 days old after being born prematurely Zack George paid an emotional farewell to his son, who passed away after thirteen days (Image: Instagram/zackgeorge/samanthalouisegeorge_ ) Zack George, known to fans of Gladiators as Steel, has shared a deeply personal glimpse into the farewell he and his wife Samantha gave to their baby boy, Leo, during a poignant funeral service this week. Leo was born prematurely at 23 weeks on March 26 and spent his brief life in neonatal intensive care before passing away on April 7. Despite the heartbreak, the couple found strength in honouring their son's short but meaningful life. The grief-stricken father opened up about the emotional farewell on Instagram with a video montage showing touching moments from the service, including the floral tributes, heartfelt letters to his child, alongside snapshots of the family gathered together, and he and his wife Samantha clasping hands over the small coffin. c (Image: Instagram/zackgeorge/samanthalouisegeorge_ ) In an incredibly moving tribute within the caption, Zack wrote: "The hardest speech I've ever had to read. You came into this world early, tiny and brave, with a heart that beat like thunder. Thirteen days. That's all we had. But in that time, you taught us more about love, and courage, than most ever will. "Your body was small, but your spirit was big, fierce and unafraid. We called you Leo, our lion, not for how loud you roared, but for how hard you fought to stay. You knew our voices, you knew our touch, the warmth of our hearts pressed against yours." He added: "You were held, you were known and you were loved. And though the world only had a brief chance to meet you, you changed it and You changed us.", reports the Mirror. Article continues below "With heavy hearts, we continue to feel your presence, in every silent moment, in the whispers of our pain, in the emptiness filled only by your existence. "Our dear son, our valiant Leo, your significance will never fade. You will forever be a part of us. Sleep peacefully, our little boy." The grief-stricken father opened up about the emotional farewell on Instagram Last month, Zack took to social media to share the enormous battles his young son faced in NICU, expressing: "What Leo had to endure during his 13 days fighting in NICU (heartbreak emoji). "3 Blood transfusions, Collapsed lungs, A Grade 1 and Grade 2 bleed on his brain, A Hole in his heart (PDA heart condition), A hole in his trachea causing air pockets in his lungs." He further announced his participation in a charity challenge he initiated in honour of his son, Leo, titled '13 days fighting'. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Article continues below The Gladiator added: "Bravery, strength, courage and resilience are just a few of the many qualities Leo showed us. This is why we are calling the charity event 13 days fighting. "A burpee mile everyday for 13 days straight will be around 10,000 burpees. We're ready to show the same qualities our little boy showed us #Leothelion."
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gladiator Steel shares heartbreaking images from baby son's funeral after his devastating death at just 13 days old
GLADIATORS star Steel has held a funeral service for his baby son, Leo, after his tragic death at just 13 days old. Zack George, who plays Gladiators ' Steel, recently revealed that his newborn son - whom he welcomed in March - had passed away. 6 6 6 6 The 34-year-old, from Leicester and his wife Samantha welcomed their baby boy named Leo George on March 26. Leo was born at just 23 weeks and passed away 13 days later. Now, Steel has shared a selection of photos from the service for their late son Leo. On social media, he posted a photo of some flowers with a blue teddy on and Leo's name. He also shared a photo of some of the messages left from family members. The Gladiators star shared an emotional message to accompany the post, writing: 'The hardest speech Iv ever had to read 🥺. 'You came into this world early, tiny and brave, with a heart that beat like thunder. Thirteen days. That's all we had. But in that time, you taught us more about love, and courage, than most ever will. 'Your body was small, but your spirit was big, fierce and unafraid. We called you Leo, our lion, not for how loud you roared, but for how hard you fought to stay. 'You knew our voices, you knew our touch, the warmth of our hearts pressed against yours. You were held, you were known and you were loved. 'And though the world only had a brief chance to meet you, you changed it and You changed us. Now that you rest, we still carry you— in every quiet moment, in the breath between tears, in the space you filled just by being here. our son, our lion— you will always matter. You will always be ours.' Gladiators star Steel's heartbreaking message to his late son saying 'wish I could have done more' after baby passes away He ended his poignant post by writing: 'Rest easy our little boy 🦁.' 6 6
