Gladiators star Zack George, AKA Steel, has shared an update the day after revealing that his son had died after being born prematurely.
Little Leo George was born on March 26 at just 23 weeks and passed away 13 days later.
Now taking to Instagram on Wednesday, George uploaded a heart-wrenching video of him holding his little boy in his arms with the sound of a heart beat set to a gospel cover of Madonna’s Like A Prayer.
He wrote in the accompanying caption: “I now see strength in a different way.
“People would ask how strong I am and I’d 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 it’s breaking my heart but mending his.”
Both Ashley Cain and his ex Safiyya Vorajee, who lost their own daughter Azaylia tragically young, were among those who rushed to offer their support in the comments.
Cain wrote: “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.”
While Vorajee lamented: “A strength we should never have to understand I’m sorry you have to,” along with a blue heart and praying hands emoji.
The tragedy came just days after he had proudly announced the baby’s birth.
On Tuesday, George told his followers: 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.
He continued: "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. 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."
George signed off his post with three lion emojis in tribute to Leo.
