GLADIATORS STAR ZACK GEORGE ANNOUNCES BURPEE CHALLENGE IN MEMORY OF SON

TV Zone
Aug 12
2 min read

Zack George, one of the UK’s top fitness personalities & fan favourite Steel from Gladiators, along with his wife Samantha have announced the launch of a deeply personal fitness fundraiser - the ‘13 Days Fighting’ Burpee Challenge - in memory of their baby son, Leo.

Leo was born prematurely earlier this year and spent 13 courageous days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Leicester Hospital before tragically passing away. During those 13 days, the George family witnessed firsthand the extraordinary care and compassion of the NICU staff.

In response, Zack and Samantha have founded Leo & Friends, a baby loss awareness charity aimed at providing vital support to other families enduring similar heartache, while also recognising and equipping the NICU teams who work tirelessly to care for premature and critically ill babies.

To honour Leo’s strength, Zack will undertake a physically and emotionally demanding challenge: completing a mile of burpees every day for 13 consecutive days, from 18th to 30th August this year, across an array of different locations across the UK.

Zack and Samantha said “Leo fought with everything he had for 13 days. This challenge is our way of turning that pain into purpose - to give Leo a lasting legacy and help other families who find themselves where we once stood.”

The challenge is proudly supported by Currys, who will be joining Zack on his journey to raise awareness and funds for the Leicester Hospital NICU. In addition to their support, Currys will be donating up to £5,000 worth of tech equipment for family and staff rooms within the unit, helping create a more comfortable and supportive environment for both parents and healthcare workers.

The funds raised through the 13-day challenge will go towards equipment, support services, and improvements to the NICU at Leicester Hospital - the hospital that gave Leo his 13 precious days and cared for him around the clock.