It was the scariest episode of his life, but veteran entertainer Vernon Steele is relieved to be back on his feet, albeit with the help of a walking stick.
Known as the Rod Stewart of Malaysia, Steele was admitted to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Aug 31 after complaining of chest pains.
Unable to sleep for five days and desperate for an answer, he asked his general practitioner for a referral letter so he could be admitted to the hospital.
“I started feeling unwell towards the end of August. I was in pain, as it was so difficult to breathe,” said Steele, 72.
“I had difficulty sleeping, and my doctor gave me some sleeping tablets. That helped, but it was a short relief.
“That was when I asked the doctor for a referral letter, as that would make it easier to get into the hospital.”
After getting the referral letter, his family took him to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.
Once there, the doctors did some tests and diagnosed that he was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems.
He was hooked up to an oxygen tank and given antibiotics. The doctors did several other tests and Steele was discharged on Sept 10.
“I thought I would be there longer, but one of the doctors told me he would allow me to go home, provided I promised to continue with the prescribed medication,” said Steele, who confessed that his singing idol is another legendary British entertainer – Cliff Richard.
“I would like to thank the staff at UMMC for their dedication and help in looking after me. They are a great bunch of people who deserve some recognition. I still have some follow-up visits, but feel much better now.”
Steele said he hopes to resume his singing career and draws inspiration from one of Stewart’s songs, ‘Never Give Up on a Dream’ – ‘Crazy notions fill your head, you gotta break all the records set. Push yourself until the end. But don’t you ever give up on your dream.’
“I love singing. When I was hooked up to the machines, I was worried that it was the end of my career. I’m thankful that I have recovered,” said Steele.
“There is a long road ahead, but I’m a fighter and will never ‘give up on my dream’.”
Steele was met on Sept 22 when he attended an event in his honour, organised by charity group We Love, We Care, We Share.
Several musicians and bands – The Small Stones, The Strollers, The Comforters, Specmore’s Night, Jeremy D’Costa, Shilla Sunita Sena, Amizan Ariffin, Eddy Zachariah, Kyra Neng, Do Ong and Aik Sun – serenaded Steele, his family, and guests.
Steele also joined in the chorus of a couple of songs, including ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’.
“It felt good to sing a few lines. I am on the road to recovery,” said Steele.
The event helped raise over RM11,000 for Steele’s medical expenses.
The group’s leader, Ivan Zuzartee, also passed a cash donation to Musicians for Musicians vice-president Edwin Nathaniel to buy an electric wheelchair battery for Zainal Rampa, the original vocalist and co-founder of the legendary Malaysian band Search.
Musicians for Musicians is an association to give musicians in need a helping hand.
