I have a memory of a very young Steven Hislop, gofer to the guys in a garage at the back of the Sefton, including Willie Simson. He ran messages, fetched the Chinese takeaway lunch, and worked on the bikes. In those days he was a wee bit quiet with the guys.
My daughter's favourite memory would be when she was about 6 or 7 and he must have been in his late teens. Steven was double jointed, and could walk along with his feet pointing out sideways. She would be convulsed with laughter.
Many years later, we met him in Strand Street one MGP week, and after a couple of minutes chatting, people began to spot him and come over. He got a bit shy and arranged to meet elsewhere. Mary was stunned..."Mum," she said "He's really famous!" Never having seen him in a crowd situation, she had seen no change in him from those early days, and hadn't really associated the TT star with "her" Steven! He never did become enthused about the fame thing. A REAL star!