BBC Gladiators star and wife launch charity in son’s memory

A BBC Gladiators star and his wife have launched a charity to support other families following the death of their premature son.

Zack George, who appears on the show under the name of Steel, and his wife Samantha, launched Leo and Friends in memory of their son, who died in April.

Leo was born at 23 weeks in March, and spent 13 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary before he died.

Mr George started a 13-day sporting challenge on Monday to honour his son’s “fight” and raise money for the new charity.

The 35-year-old, from Leicester, is performing about 800 to 850 burpees every day for 13 days to raise money for the neonatal unit at the LRI.

Mr George said he was taking on the challenge because he wanted to “suffer for the duration [Leo] was suffering for”.

He added: “He taught me all about courage and strength and what it is to fight and be brave.”

Mr George said he and his wife also wanted to show others it was OK to talk about baby loss.

Mr George was supported by his wife, as well as fitness coach and TV personality Joe Wicks, on day one of the challenge at Loughborough University.

Mrs George said: “When it all happened my head was just a complete blur. And Zack instantly turned to wanting to carry Leo on and build a legacy for him.”

She added: “Losing him is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through.”

Dr Ben Baucells, a neonatal consultant and the LRI who treated Leo, commended Mr and Mrs George for “highlighting the difficulties” faced by families on the neonatal unit.

He added: “It think its incredible and brave, Zack and Sam have done an incredible job, they’re so positive.”

The challenge will continue at locations across the UK and has been backed by electrical retailer Curry’s, which will be donating £5,000 worth of equipment to help neonatal doctors, nurses and families.