The Astin family were spectating at the SCS Relay on Boxing Day. Katie, Sarah and Gemma are probably the most successful three sisters in the history of Manx athletics. Their late father Ian’s photos are to be preserved online and will be republished soon.

Kevin Vondy was photographed at his garage at Regaby the following day. He is recovering from vasculitis and has managed a limited number of slow runs. His illness developed suddenly just days after competing in the Great South Run on 4 July.

I’m sure that all of us in good health have given a great deal of thought to the Astin and Vondy families in 2012. (ML)