Zack George, best known for his role as Steel on the BBC series Gladiators, has shared the heartbreaking news that his newborn son, Leo, has passed away.
The 34-year-old revealed earlier this week that his son, who was born prematurely at just 23 weeks, had been battling for survival. Leo weighed less than one pound and eight ounces at birth.
Zack, who is married to Samantha Louise George, had announced in January that they were expecting their second child. Their son, Leo, arrived prematurely on March 26. Following Zack’s announcement on Instagram, tributes have poured in for the baby boy.
In an emotional post, George wrote to Leo: “Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love.”
He continued, “Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left. Leo, you showed us what true strength is, and we are so proud of you. You brought so much positivity into the world in your short time with us, and we felt that positivity in abundance. We are forever grateful for that.”
“We thank you for letting us know when you had enough of this fight. We will always 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.”
George’s Gladiators co-star, Ella Mae Rayner, expressed her support, saying: “I can’t 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.” Montell Douglas, a fellow Gladiator and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, wrote: “RIP baby Leo. Thoughts and prayers are with you both.”
The news of Leo’s passing comes just after the couple had thanked their supporters, saying they felt their son “has a nation behind him.”
Leo, who was born “tiny, fragile, and fighting,” experienced a brief period of stability, often referred to as a “honeymoon phase” for premature babies. This phase usually occurs in the first few hours of life, but it can be followed by serious complications.
Premature babies, born before 37 weeks, are often very small and face numerous health challenges, according to the NHS. Babies born extremely prematurely, before 27 weeks, are typically placed in incubators in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), where specialized care is provided.
The effects of premature birth can have long-term impacts on a baby’s development, with potential health issues such as breathing difficulties, trouble maintaining body temperature, irregular breathing, low blood oxygen levels, and challenges with fighting infections.
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