For many, one of the highlights of the Ascot Hotel Manx Harriers Open Meeting happened off the track. It was the sight of Steve Brennan smiling and laughing with friends and family throughout the morning only weeks after near fatal illness. Steve is pictured above (right) with long term friend Steve Partington. They are both featured below, as is Allan Callow, when Brenny was certainly third best in the cake baking competition!  In case you missed it, Steve's recent activities are recorded here.

Apart from his cake making ability (?), and since 2008 having the title Head of the Isle of Man Gambling Commission, Steve has has held onto something else for much longer.  With the news that there will no race walking in the 2011 Island Games he will continue his reign as Island Games race walking champion from 1987 through to at least 2013. Hair raising or what? Maybe self raising?

Steve Brennan (above) was back on the island at the weekend after having four stents inserted into his arteries at Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool on Thursday. Just days beforehand he wrote to thank everyone for their support during his initial illness: "I have been overwhelmed by the number of cards and messages from well-wishers and would like to say thanks to them all" he said in his email. At the time he was expecting to be at home for six weeks but an opportunity arose to have his treatment early after there were a couple of cancellations at Broadgreen. Earlier reports  Further information from Steve Cain on 479911 Photo from St Johns 2002 (ML)   (Monday 31 January 2011)

Steve Brennan weekly

Well known Manx athlete and cyclist Steve Brennan was yesterday reading the latest copies of Athletics Weekly and Cycling Weekly in Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool.  A lot happened in the previous week.

On Monday 3 January he collapsed on Whitebridge Hill in Onchan whilst cycling.  He received immediate attention from Neil Davidson, a qualified first aider, who was close behind and this probably saved his life.  He was taken to the intensive therapy unit at Nobles Hospital and kept on a ventilator under sedation. A move to the coronary care unit was planned but by Thursday he had developed pneumonia and required further sedation.  On Saturday he was airlifted to Broadgreen where he had an angiogram.

He should be back in the island tomorrow for about six weeks to recover from the pneumonia before returning to Broadgreen.  If all goes well he will have stents inserted although further surgery cannot be ruled out.

It is likely that one of Steve’s arteries had been blocked for two to three years and the blocking of a second one caused his collapse.  His underlying fitness kept him with us.

Miranda and the three children have all appreciated the comfort and support from their close family and friends and the other messages that have been conveyed to them. Miranda would appreciate it if anyone requiring updates on Steve’s health, and the family’s welfare, could do so by contacting Steve Cain on 479911. (Tuesday 11 January 2011)

Steve Brennan (right) with long term friend Steve Partington in 2005 (ML)

STEVE BRENNAN

Unfortunately,Steve Brennan who at different times has been a top class walker, runner and cyclist, and is a great friend to many people in athletics, was the un-named person reported in the media as having collapsed on Whitebridge Hill on Monday whilst cycling.

The illness is serious and has necessitated a stay in the intensive therapy unit at Nobles Hospital and he remained on a ventilator until yesterday.  Thankfully he is making good progress and it is hoped that he will be moved to the Coronary Care unit in the near future.

Miranda has been overwhelmed with the thoughts and kindness that so many people have expressed towards Steve, herself and the children but has not been able to respond to all texts, phone calls and personal callers.  She wants to devote her time to Steve and the children and therefore requests that friends do not contact her directly for a while.

Steve Cain, who has been helping the Brennan family throughout this difficult time can be contacted on 479911 should anyone want to pass on messages or need further updates on Brenny’s progress.

Steve Brennan (centre, yellow T-shirt) at the start of the Manx Cross Country Championships in Peel during the early 90s (photo Isle of Man Newspapers?)