Gladiators star Steel, whose real name is Zack George, revealed he is set to undergo a charity challenge in memory of his baby son, Leo, who tragically died last week
3am Jamie Roberts 23:19, 15 Apr 2025
Gladiators star Steel has shared a heartbreaking update regarding his late baby son Leo who died at just 13 days old. The athlete, whose real name is Zack George, shared a new post in which he detailed his son's 13 days fighting in a neonatal intensive care unit.
The tot had been born prematurely at 23 weeks. The 34-year-old BBC star took to Instagram on Monday to share an emotional clip of his wife Samantha sitting beside their son's incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Zack shared the huge challenges his son had faced in his short life while in NICU. He wrote: "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 went on to reveal he will be taking part in a charity challenge he has since launched. He has called it 13 days fighting in memory of his son, Leo.
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The Gladiator went on: "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."
He then shared a clip of his training for the challenge, saying it is "well under way". He wrote: "Starting with 200/300 unbroken burpees couple times a week to get back into the swing of things, then going for a mile on May 3rd. Then it’s only 12 more right?"
He revealed he has been blown away with the support and shared his gratitude for how many people have decided to join him in the challenge.
"You can join us and walk the mile, do 1 burpee or the full amount, join us virtually or in person at the different locations around the uk. (Still to be confirmed)," he said. "Adults and kids are all welcome. Keep tagging us in those burpees."
Last week, Zack revealed the sad news of his son's death. Sharing on Instagram, he said: "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. 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."
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He ended his post: "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."
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at childbereavementuk.org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.
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