Blissful anticipation turned to blind panic when former Men’s Health cover star Zack George’s son was born premature at just 23 weeks. “It all happened so quick,” wrote his wife Samantha on Instagram. “I knew something wasn’t right. A doctor came to examine me, there was silence, then, ‘I’m so sorry, labour has started, your baby is coming.'” In that instant, their lives became a blur of doctors, steroids, magnesium drips, and IV antibiotics. “You’re not planning any more; you’re surviving, praying for more time, hoping for one more day, one more week.” Leo was born two days later. After 13 days in the neonatal intensive care unit in Leicester, he tragically passed away in his father’s arms.

If You’re Affected by Anything in This Story You Can Seek Advice and Support via UK Charity Sands and Their Helpline 0808 164 3332, or Bliss and Their Email hello@bliss.org.uk

In tribute to Leo, George, now cast as Steel in the rebooted Gladiator series, is taking on a grueling fundraising challenge to support neonatal care. Starting August 18, the former CrossFit star and the UK’s Fittest Man will complete a burpee mile every day for 13 days straight, which translates to about 700-800 burpee broad jumps every 24 hours. His and Samantha’s bravery in sharing their story exposes the heartrending reality of miscarriage, baby loss, and the precariousness of premature birth—issues that plague innumerable families, often in silence.

This stark reality is echoed by public figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and former Wrexham AFC footballer Jordan Davies, who have also shared their experiences of loss. In 2023, Icelandic strongman Hafþór Björnsson, known for his role as The Mountain in Game of Thrones, revealed that his wife suffered a late fetal loss when their daughter Grace was stillborn after 21-and-a-half weeks. “All of our hopes and dreams for her have been taken away from us, but I know I will be with her again,” they lamented. Yet, these high-profile cases are merely the tip of the iceberg; countless families bear the hidden wounds of loss and grief.

The Reality of Baby Loss

Rowena Pailing, head of bereavement support services at UK charity Sands, emphasizes the enormity of this tragedy: “One in two of us, or someone we know, has experienced the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby.” Defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, miscarriage affects approximately one in four pregnancies in the UK, with most occurring in the first trimester. Late miscarriages fall between 13 and 24 weeks, while stillbirth, categorized as the loss of a baby after 24 weeks, impacts roughly one in every 250 pregnancies. Disturbingly, around 60% of stillbirths are unexplained, depriving grieving parents of clarity and closure.

• Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage.
• One in 250 pregnancies results in stillbirth.
• 60% of stillbirths remain unexplained.

The stark statistics hide a broader issue—historically, parental grief and support for bereaved families have been significantly overlooked. Parents who experience a loss before 24 weeks receive no statutory leave, while those losing a baby post-24 weeks are entitled to only two weeks of leave at minimal pay. This disparity leaves many like Zack and Samantha George feeling blatantly unsupported during a time of profound grief.

A shift in policy is on the horizon: a newly proposed amendment to the Employment Rights Bill aims to grant parents who experience loss at any stage of pregnancy at least one week of unpaid leave. While this represents progress, key concerns about the implementation of these rights for self-employed and casual workers remain.

The Emotional Toll on Fathers

Pailing notes the often-overlooked emotional ramifications for fathers post-loss, stating, “Dads and partners may feel overlooked or pressured to return to work quickly.” The expectation for men to provide emotional support while grappling with their own grief complicates the healing process. “Do workplaces do enough to support fathers who’ve experienced baby loss? Often, no,” Pailing adds.

Feedback from several men navigating this reality underscores the inconsistency in workplace support; some employers offer compassionate leave while others strictly adhere to company policies. “You might expect to assume a supportive role without adequate recognition of your loss,” Pailing explains. To address this gap, Sands has initiated specific support structures for men, including dedicated Facebook groups, monthly online meetings, and the creation of Sands United FC, a network of football teams for bereaved fathers.

“No two men will experience grief in the same way,” Pailing states, highlighting the importance of peer support. Conversing openly about one’s loss—whether publicly on social media or privately over a drink—can demystify the stigma surrounding baby loss and help dismantle rigid gender stereotypes.

Challenges and Changes in Neonatal Care

In the UK, about one in 13 babies is born prematurely, a figure that is on the rise. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health notes that this is largely due to improved interventions designed to avoid stillbirth. However, the preterm birth rates are significantly higher among Black and Asian communities, as well as disadvantaged families, pointing to growing inequality in healthcare.

Peter Bradley, Director of Services at Bliss, explains, “Very often the reasons for premature birth are unknown, but we know that the emotional toll on parents can be substantial.” The critical emotional environment in neonatal wards, coupled with the physical separation from their babies, can create an overwhelming burden for both mothers and fathers. Bradley adds, “Virtually every parent who has gone through that experience reports some impact on their mental health and well-being.”

Fortunately, recent legislation, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, allows parents to extend their maternity leave by one week for every week their baby spends in neonatal care. This is a crucial step in alleviating some of the financial burden imposed on families during such trying times, ensuring they can focus on their child’s recovery.

The momentum for change extends beyond government policy; increasing public dialogue about miscarriage, baby loss, and premature births is imperative. Awareness fosters compassion and understanding, creating a supportive environment for those navigating these complex experiences. As Zack George embarks on his burpee challenge, he embodies the hope that greater awareness and advocacy will empower fathers and families to confront grief openly, providing support to one another during life’s most painful moments.

Source: www.menshealth.com