Leigh Centurions are happy to report that Stephen O'Dwyer, the Leigh fan
who was taken ill watching the Centurions at Sheffield on Sunday, is on
the mend according to his family.

The 24-year-old needed emergency medical treatment on the terraces at the
Owlerton Stadium and the game had to be stopped so the Sheffield club
doctor could assist.

Stephen was helped by two Sheffield fans with medical training before he
was taken to hospital where he has been in intensive care.

Supporters had been anxiously awaiting news of his condition from his
family and last night his brother Michael tweeted: "Stephen is awake and
back to his cheeky self again. So pleased have my bro back. All the signs
are good so far."

Fans, officials and players from many clubs had tweeted their support for
Stephen who follows Leigh home and away and puts the flags out before a
game at the LSV.

Leigh Head Coach Paul Rowley, who coached Stephen at Westleigh High School
attended a balloon and lantern release event at the Marsh Playing Fields
in Leigh on Tuesday night which was organised to show support for Stephen.
Many fans turned up to hear Rowley make a speech before red and white
balloons filled the sky. It was a moving event which "overwhelmed" his
family.

On Sunday, Rowley dedicated the Centurions' record-breaking win over
Sheffield to Stephen. Leigh's win was their 15th in a row which is a new
club record. Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont has offered
his full support and he and fellow board member Andy Mazey have also been in regular contact with Stephen’s family and people over in Sheffield.
Andy Mazey, who also attended Tuesday evening’s event said: "The best phone call I've received in a very long time came yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon from Stephen’s dad to inform us that he was awake and that early signs were very positive.
“ I was privileged along with Paul to be invited along to last night’s event and it really opened my eyes to exactly what Stephen’s well being means to his fellow supporters and people in the Leigh community as a whole.
“We are delighted that he is now on the road to what we hope will be a full and speedy recovery. At Leigh Centurions we pride ourselves on being a family club and in times of adversity we are one big family which pulls together and looks after each other. Stephen and his family will continue to receive all the support we can possibly give."

What a really warming piece and such an improved outlook for Stephen.

Indeed, I have never met Stephen (that I'm aware of) but found myself just coming on here, not for Centurions chat, but for any updates on the lad. When Sean Fairhurst told me Stephen is only 24, couldn't believe it. Looking forward to his return to the North Stand !!!!!

Just had a text off his dad and he said Ste's improving slowly so more good news. I hope he will be back with us at the top of the North Stand soon , get well soon mate.

Glad to hear this better news, hope the recovery continues.

Great news hope he's home to his family soon

Another message from his Dad. Ste sat up in a chair talking and joking and asking about RL. Doctors want him to stay in another week.

Good news. Ste still has a way to go of course.

Great news, he'll be up and about in no time at all.

Thanks for the good news Frank. Here's hoping his recovery carries on at the current rate.

It is all fantastic news and Ste and all his family and friends must be so relieved and happy. After being so close to this event it really has frightened me because of seeing all the emotion and being unable to help, I have now looked into doing a first aid co. It is a three day co run by the St Johns Ambulance. It will be something that I can put through my business but anyone can do it. A mate who works with me used to be fireman but still keeps his first aid certificate upto date just in case he comes across events like last Sundays. We never know when something like this will happen do we? The love and the passion and even more so the compassion shown at our club makes my hairs standup and gives me such a warm feeling.
Leyther till I die and so very proud of it.
Love and best to Ste and all his family.

Great news,and i have to say,the concern and support shown by the club and fellow supporters has been magnificent.

Keep it up Ste. It will be a great day when you are back on the terraces

Keith,

Welcome back onto Leythers. How are you doing?

Keith, so glad to see you back. Hope you're feeling better too xx

Ste actually tweeted a little while ago and I'm sure he'll be on here soon.

We are a family, as you know. When one of our family is hurt we all feel the pain. We are delighted that he is on the mend and hopefully looking at release is the next couple of days.