Tumour-surviving pilot training for Invictus Games

Lt Cdr Steve Irwin will compete in swimming, assisted skiing and wheelchair rugby

A former Royal Navy pilot is in training for the Invictus Games in Canada next year after surviving a rare cancer that left him without the use of part of his left leg.

Lt Cdr Steve Irwin, 37, from near Salisbury, Wiltshire, was diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma in December 2021.

He had successful surgery in the following April to remove the tumour from his abdomen but was left with partial paralysis in his leg due to nerve damage.

He will take part in the first ever winter Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2025, competing in swimming, assisted skiing and wheelchair rugby.

Lt Cdr Irwin, who played football and squash before he had cancer, has been attending training camps with other members of the 63-strong Team UK.

"After an intense couple of years, I’m sure it will be an amazing experience.

"I enjoy being part of a team and the camaraderie, and I’m looking forward to representing my country," he said.

Lt Cdr Irwin served for 14 years as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy before his diagnosis

According to the charity Sarcoma UK, there are about 100 different types of sarcoma cancer.

Retroperitoneal sarcomas form at the back of the abdomen and are often not easily detected.

Lt Cdr Irwin 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," he added.

Although no longer a pilot, Lt Cdr Irwin remains in the armed forces

After 14 years of service, Lt Cdr Irwin is no longer a pilot but is still in the armed forces.

During his rehab programme he was encouraged to take part in the Invictus Games, which is for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “Steve's journey from diagnosis and treatment for cancer to the Invictus Games is nothing short of inspirational.

"His participation sends a powerful message of hope to all sarcoma survivors."