Bulldogs legend Steve Mortimer is recovering from a heart attack

It was the morning walk that turned into an emergency trip to the hospital and life-saving surgery for Canterbury Bulldogs great Steve “Turvey” Mortimer.

Rugby league legend Steve Mortimer admits it is a miracle he’s still alive after he suffered a “widow-maker”.

Mortimer, 65, required emergency surgery last month for a 90 per cent blockage in his left main artery, a condition so deadly that doctors call it the “widow-maker”.

Now the “greatest living Bulldog” wants to use his story in the hope that it encourages others to undergo regular health checks.

“My heart is okay now, put it that way,’’ Mortimer said.

Steve “Turvey” Mortimer is recovering after emergency heart surgery only three weeks ago. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I had no issues with my heart before this and it came as a shock for me and all my family.

“I’m a lucky one. You may call it a miracle but I’m just so happy that I’m okay and on my way to feeling 100 per cent fine again.’’

Mortimer, the first captain to lead NSW to a State of Origin series win and two-time premiership winning captain of Canterbury, has remained physically active since retiring from first grade in 1988 after a 273-game career with the Bulldogs.

Despite Mortimer also being diagnosed with early onset dementia, he has continued to exercise at least four times a week by boxing, walking and using a rowing machine.

Three weeks ago, on August 24, Mortimer was out walking with his close mate Darcy White near his home in Sydney’s south when he suddenly felt short of breath.

Steve Mortimer is a legend of the Canterbury Bulldogs, having played 273 games before retiring in 1988. Picture: Peter Kurnik.

“I told Darcy I needed to sit down for a bit and catch my breath,’’ Mortimer said.

“I could feel something was amiss and I was feeling a little off, so I decided I should get back in my car and drive home.

“When I got home I told my wife Karen something wasn’t right with my chest.

“She could see that I was a little pale, so she drove me straight to Sutherland Hospital and I was taken in for tests.’’

Due to the hospital’s Covid-19 protocols, Karen wasn’t permitted to remain with her husband.

She waited anxiously as Mortimer underwent a coronary angiogram, which confirmed a major blockage to his heart.

Canterbury Bulldogs chairman John Khoury calls Steve Mortimer “the greatest living Bulldog”.

The father of three and eldest brother to famous footballing brothers Peter, Chris and Glenn, required emergency surgery later that night. Highly-respected cardiologist Joseph Matthews implanted a lifesaving stent.

Somehow none of his former teammates or the wider league community discovered Mortimer spent three days recovering in hospital before being released.

“He’s very lucky,’’ Mortimer’s son Andrew said.

“It was a good thing Mum was home to get him to the hospital as quickly as she did.

“It’s obviously given us all a scare and has made us all sharpen up a bit and think about our own health.

Steve Mortimer captained NSW to its first ever State of Origin victory.

“Due to Covid restrictions it’s made it difficult to go and see Dad, but we’re just so thankful that he’s still here.’’

Mortimer, who continues to work as the managing director of Australian Shuffleboard, said he was due for a follow-up examination in two weeks.

Speaking exclusively to The Saturday Telegraph, Mortimer said he felt comfortable and confident of a full recovery.

“Every week has been better and I’d like to think that, in a few more weeks, I’ll be as good as new,’’ Mortimer said.

Mortimer was a hero of the Bulldogs in the 1980s..

Mortimer led the Bulldogs to two premierships.

“It’s a good reminder for everyone that even though you might feel okay, there’s no harm in talking to your doctor about getting done the necessary health checks related to your heart.’’

Canterbury Bulldogs chairman John Khoury was one of only a select few who knew of Mortimer’s health scare.

“I always refer to ‘Turvey’ (Mortimer) as the greatest living Bulldog,’’ Khoury said.

“He’s someone who is very dear to every Bulldog’s heart, including mine.

“I speak to Turvey weekly and I had literally spoken to him that morning (of the heart attack) and so when I found out about his heart scare, I was profoundly shocked.

“As a club, we’re so thankful that he’s come through it okay.

Mortimer also revealed this year that he is suffering early onset dementia. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Turvey is and always will be a very important person to this club.’’

Mortimer said one of his goals to achieve a full recovery was so that he could visit his beloved Bulldogs over summer following the club’s last-placed finish to the 2021 season.

“Canterbury have bought some good players for next season, so we’ll definitely be a more competitive side,’’ Mortimer said.

“I’d love nothing more to see the Bulldogs back up the ladder.’’

Mortimer isn’t the only rugby league legend to come forward this year to raise awareness for heart health.

Former Balmain Tigers fullback Garry Jack went public with his story of “second chance” after suffering a massive cardiac arrest in January.

Originally published as Bulldogs legend Steve Mortimer is recovering from a heart attack