Gladiators star Steel has shared an emotional update about his premature baby son as the infant continues to fight for survival. Zack George posted a selfie of him, his wife Samantha, and their new born son Leo on Instagram along with a heartfelt message.
He wrote: “We really feel like Leo has a nation behind him, thank you so much. This was two days after he was born in the ‘honeymoon’ stage where things seemed good, and then the real fight started. I’ve never felt so many rollercoaster emotions in my life.”
The fitness star went on to open up about the immense challenges he and his family are facing as they navigate Leo’s fragile condition after the boy was born at just 23 weeks.
He added: “One of the hardest things is trying to see Leo as much as possible, still be there for Ivy as she needs us, be a husband, trying to work, train, eat properly. It’s a lot, but us Georges are strong.”
Meanwhile, Samantha took to her Instagram story to share a heart breaking image of the medical monitors and drips attached to her baby, writing: “I just wanted to let you all know that even though I’m not replying right now, I’m reading every single one of your messages. As we sit here next to Leo, we feel nothing but all of your positive energy all around him. Hang in there, little lion.”
The couple have been inundated with supportive messages from fans and other Gladiators stars. Toby Olubi, known as Phantom on the BBC show, previously commented: “Praying for you and yours, brother.”
Montell Douglas, who starred in the latest series, wrote: “Bubba Leo with the strongest genes I know! You got this, baby boy.” Zack and Samantha, who are already parents to their young daughter Ivy, first announced they were expecting their second child in January this year.
They shared their pregnancy reveal with fans by posting a sweet snap of little Ivy holding up pictures of a baby scan. However, their excitement was quickly stripped away when Leo was born prematurely, weighing just 1 pound 8 ounces.
The couple named their son “Leo the lion” as a tribute to how strong the infant is as he fights to acclimatise to the outside world when he should still be in his mother’s womb.
Zack previously said that while this has been an overwhelming experience, he is still hopeful that Leo will continue to defy the odds. According to NHS guidelines, babies born at 23 weeks face huge challenges as their lungs and other vital organs are not fully developed yet.
However, with 21st century advancements in neonatal care, more and more premature babies are surviving despite the medical difficulties they face.
Zack, otherwise known as Steel, overcame childhood obesity before becoming one of the UK’s best known fitness figures. The Gladiators star has spoken openly about the personal struggles he faced in his journey, admitting that he was once bullied for his weight.
Thanks to his dad’s help, Zack transformed his lifestyle and won the title of the UK’s Fittest Man in 2020 before landing his role as Steel on Gladiators.
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