When Euan Irwin suffered a back injury in 2025, the impact stretched far beyond his working life. At its worst, he struggled just to get out of bed and found himself relying on his wife and children for everyday tasks – even something as simple as putting his socks on.
It left him questioning whether his firefighting career with Bedfordshire FRS might be over.
However, thanks to his determination, an intense few weeks of recovery, and a stay at Harcombe House to help him in those final few weeks, he was able to get back on the run and doing the job he loves.
“My dad was in the fire service, so it always felt like the path I wanted to take,” Euan explains. “It took me a little while to get there, but I’ve been in the role for nine years now – and I love it.”
That dream job was put on pause in February 2025 when Euan burst three discs in his lower back during a gym session. The injury followed months of niggling back pain he had assumed was normal wear and tear.
“I eventually had to see a neurosurgeon,” he says. “They think it was a mix of things – I’ve played rugby since I was 12 and I keep active with running as well, both in and out of work.
“There were days I could barely get out of bed. I was off work for months and couldn’t even manage the school run. At one point, my kids were helping me put my socks on – that’s when you realise how much it’s taken out of you.”
While receiving treatment from an osteopath and attending physiotherapy sessions, his focus remained fixed on one goal: getting back to work.
“That’s when I spoke to two colleagues who’d had help from Fire Fighters Charity. I got in touch from there,” he says. “I’d tell anyone, don’t be afraid to reach out – that’s exactly what they’re there for.”
And the timing couldn’t have been better, as Euan adds: “They said it was ideal to come when you’re preparing to return to work, and that’s exactly where I was. I spent a week at Harcombe House for rehabilitation – and just three or four weeks later, I was back on the run. It was incredible.
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“I had a bungalow while I was there, so it was a real break away and the chance to relax and focus on my recovery. It really helped me to get my head round things.
“The wellbeing sessions were really good too, around work in the gym and pool. They covered things like sleep, mental health and nutrition, and they were all with a group of people who were from different walks of life, different ages, but all going through similar experiences.
“There were all these other firefighters saying they’d been just as worried as me, opening up about their struggles, and we could all talk it through with each other. It gave me the confidence in myself to do things I hadn’t been able to do for months.”
Euan says he wanted to find a way of saying thank you, while raising awareness amongst his colleagues, so has ensured he’s been part of fundraisers ever since – both on and off station.
“We do car washes every year, our Open Day always raise a lot of money, then in 2024 we organised a boxing event for police vs fire. I’m now planning a football event later this year too. Seeing the impact of the funds myself has really motivated me to do what I can,” he says.
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