Royal Navy pilot who survived rare cancer prepares for Invictus Games

A Royal Navy Pilot is preparing for the Invictus Games in Canada next year after surviving a rare cancer.

Lieutenant Commander Steve Irwin, 37, from near Salisbury, Wiltshire, was a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in 2020 when he started suffering 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.

The pain came and went, and Steve was prescribed painkillers. It was in September 2021 that everything changed when he felt a lump in his stomach, and he was sent for emergency scans.

At first, it was suspected he had lymphoma, but after CT and MRI scans were done, he was diagnosed in December 2021 with retroperitoneal sarcoma (malignant solitary non-fibrous). Retroperitoneal sarcomas form at the back of the abdomen and are often not easily detected.

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, because a nerve had gone through the tumour, Steve had lost the use of part of his left leg.

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

Steve, who is married to Alice with two children, 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.”

He received rehab, including physiotherapy, in the military. After 14 years of service, he is no longer a pilot but is still employed in the Armed Forces. During his rehab programme, it was suggested that 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, both serving and veterans.

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 in February 2025. The charity is currently supporting Steve and his 63 team-mates through their training and journey to the Games, where he will compete in swimming, assisted skiing, and wheelchair rugby.

Steve, who played football and squash before he had cancer, has been attending training camps with other members of Team UK. He 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.”

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, 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. His participation in the Invictus Games sends a powerful message of hope to all sarcoma survivors."