Royal Navy Pilot selected to partake in Invictus Games

Lieutenant commander Steve Irwin, 37, was a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in 2020 when he started to suffer with back pain and a weak leg.

Such ailments are not considered unusual for helicopter pilots and he was diagnosed with sciatica by a military medic. However, in September 2021, he felt a lump in his stomach and he was sent for emergency scans, and was later diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma.

In the next few weeks, he was given radiotherapy and then had surgery in April 2022 to remove a tumour from his abdomen that was the size of a fist. The surgery was a success, however Steve had lost the use of part of his left leg.

Thankfully the sarcoma had not spread or recurred since and Steve has regular scans to ensure he remains cancer-free.

Steve Irwin was diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma in December 2021 (Image: Sarcoma UK) The father-of-two said: “Having cancer when I did was very difficult because my wife was pregnant with our second daughter. But I didn’t despair. I knew I had to get better for them.

"My family gave me something to focus on during my illness. My wife coped with it all amazingly well. The care I received from the doctors and nurses in the NHS was wonderful.”

After 14 years of service, he is no longer a pilot but is still employed in the Armed Forces. It was during his rehab programme that it was suggested he apply to take part in the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

Funded and organised by the Royal British Legion and Ministry of Defence, Steve was selected to be part of Team UK at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler February 2025. The charity is currently supporting Steve and his 63 teammates through their training and journey to the Games, where he will be competing in swimming, assisted skiing and wheelchair rugby.

After 14 years of service, Steve is no longer a pilot but is still employed in the Armed Forces (Image: Sarcoma UK)

Steve said: "I enjoy being part of a team and the camaraderie, and I’m looking forward to representing my country at the Games next year. After an intense couple of years, I’m sure it will be an amazing experience.”

Sarcoma UK’s director of fundraising and communications Kerry Reeves-Kneip said: “Lieutenant commander Steve Irwin's journey from diagnosis and treatment for cancer to the Invictus Games is nothing short of inspirational. His story highlights the importance of early detection and proper treatment of sarcomas, which are often misdiagnosed due to their rarity.

"At Sarcoma UK, we're committed to raising awareness about these cancers and supporting patients like Steve throughout their treatment and recovery."