Gladiators star Steel, real name Zack George, shared a heartbreaking video of him cradling his baby son Leo before he died. The couple welcomed their son into the world just a few days ago and decided to call him Leo the lion because of his incredible fight to live, despite arriving at 23 weeks.
Samantha and Steel had been updating fans about how Leo was doing. However, this week, they shared the heartbreaking news of the tragic loss of their baby son, praising his “true definition of strength” in his short life. After announcing the devastating news, Steel returned to his Instagram to post a video of him cradling and stroking his son’s face.
He wrote in the caption: “I now see strength in a different way. People would ask how strong am I and id answer with numbers of my squat, bench press or previous personal bests.
“Now I’d answer that very differently. Strength is holding my little precious boy knowing its breaking my heart but mending his [broken heart emoji and heart emoji].”
Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee – who experienced the tragic loss of their own baby girl, Azaylia – took to the comment section to share their support with Safiyaa writing: “A strength we should never have to understand I’m sorry you have to.”
Ex on the Beach star Ashley posted: “Brother, I’m so sorry to hear this news. I’m sending you, your partner and your family love, strength, courage and my heartfelt condolences through this devastating time.
“Please know that I am here for you, anytime and anyplace right now. And your beautiful boy will be too, surrounding you and watching over you always. Rest in eternal paradise little Leo.”
Leo, born one pound eight ounces, was born earlier last week at only 23 weeks. However, Zack and his wife Samanta announced his death this week with a heartbreaking post.
“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,” they said.
“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.”
They added: “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.”
*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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