Muck Grime & Sweat

Igniting a Life in Fire

Darran Gough

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Paperback

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English

Snorticle Stories
20 May 2025

Autobiography: general; Memoirs; Emergency services

Muck Grime & Sweat: Igniting a Life in Fire is the powerful true story of a firefighter's extraordinary journey through four decades of service.

From an idyllic childhood at Shiplake Lock on the River Thames to the life-changing moment that set him on a path of duty and courage, Darran Gough's story is one of resilience, adrenaline, and unwavering commitment. Starting as a retained firefighter in Henley-on-Thames, stepping into the crucial world of 999 call control, and rising to full-time firefighting in the heart of the West Midlands, Darran offers a rare 360-degree view of the fire and rescue service few can match.

Told with gripping honesty, warmth, and humour, Muck Grime & Sweat dives into the heart-pounding realities behind the sirens - from midnight callouts and life-saving rescues to the camaraderie, challenges, and lessons learned both on and off the fireground.

Praised by senior fire officers and readers alike as ""compelling,"" ""gripping,"" and ""uplifting,"" this is the first in a series by Darran that charts an extraordinary journey through four decades of service.

By: Darran Gough
Imprint: Snorticle Stories
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 127mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 281g
ISBN: 9781068370908
ISBN 10: 1068370904
Pages: 312
Publication Date: 20 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Darran Gough was a child of the swinging '60s, born into a lockkeeper's family. His childhood was idyllic, growing up at Shiplake Lock on the River Thames - he often boasts that he had a boat before he had a bicycle. However, a tragedy at the lock involving his father, Peter Gough, in 1982 would have a profound impact on his life and future career. Darran is in his 40th year as a Oxfordshire firefighter.

Reviews for Muck Grime & Sweat: Igniting a Life in Fire

""Darran's depth of knowledge and experience in each area of the fire and rescue service role is quite unique. I cannot think of another serving whole time firefighter who has also served as an on call firefighter and received 999 calls as a fire control officer. It is that depth of understanding of each vital component of the modern fire service that makes Darran's book such a compelling read."" - Mike Smyth, Deputy Chief Officer Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, retired. ""This is a superb read, written with great enthusiasm. There is much drama and a fair bit of humour."" - Andy Howland ""A great read. Darran has produced a lovely story of the journey through his inimitable career."" - Tom Carrol. Chief Fire Officer Oxfordshire Fire Service Retired ""As the book developed chapter by chapter, I really wanted to know what was going to happen next - it was gripping. A great tale of achieving an ambition and the reality of the firefighter's role."" - Fiona Hammans ""From midnight callouts and racing to save lives, this fireman's story takes us on a journey of a lifetime given to the fire service. An engaging book that keeps you reading and leaves you uplifted."" - Nina Hedger