From Blyth’s estates to a multimillion-pound success: Ian Rutherford’s Mission Accomplished: A Boy from Blyth.
LONDON, UK. October 20th 2025 – A new biography, Mission Accomplished: A Boy from Blyth, now available on Amazon, details the life of Ian Rutherford, from unemployment in Newcastle to working as a bodyguard to former U.S. President George W. Bush and later establishing a multimillion-pound security organisation.
Self-published and now available worldwide, the book offers an unflinching look at a life defined by resilience and risk, growing up on the Cowpen Estate in Blyth, an area ranked among the most deprived neighborhoods in England.
From a young man struggling to find direction to a trusted figure in global counter-terrorism and intelligence training, Ian Rutherford’s story is one of perseverance against extraordinary odds.
“I’ve lived a mad life, and this book’s only a fraction of it. From growing up on a council estate to working with the former president of the United States and working around the world, it’s been a journey.” Said Ian Rutherford.
“This book isn’t about showing off, it’s about showing what’s possible when you keep going, no matter how tough it gets. It shows where I’ve come from and the lessons I’ve learned. There’s enough that happened in my life to fill more books, but for now, I’m proud to share this chapter of my life.”
The book takes readers on a compelling journey through the defining moments of Ian’s life, including his early years in the North East, his move to London to pursue a career in security, and the turbulent experiences that tested his resolve.
Among the deeply personal recollections included in the biography is a moving account of the 1989 Kegworth air disaster. Rutherford’s then-girlfriend was due to be on the ill-fated flight, which tragically crashed and claimed 47 lives.
The event profoundly shaped his outlook, instilling a deep appreciation for resilience and purpose that would later guide his life and work.
After early stints in London’s security industry, Rutherford’s career took a defining turn when he joined Walkabout Inns under the mentorship of Michael, the organisation’s chairman. Recognised for his discipline and leadership, Rutherford quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing security operations across the UK for nearly two decades.
By the mid-1990s, he had established one of London’s largest security companies. Yet, success was not without hardship, including being falsely implicated in a serious firearms case that nearly derailed his life. His eventual vindication became a turning point, reinforcing his determination.
In the years that followed, Rutherford’s work took him to some of the world’s most high-profile environments.
In 1999, he served as a bodyguard during U.S. President George W. Bush’s four-day visit to Monaco, an experience that included moments of high tension, such as being detained at gunpoint and managing security during critical diplomatic movements.
At London’s legendary Bagleys Nightclub in King’s Cross, Rutherford oversaw operations at Britain’s largest dance venue, managing crowds of up to 5,000 people over each weekend.
The tragic murder of a team member under his command underscored the dangers and gravity of his profession.
Later, Rutherford took on pivotal roles in major international security projects. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, he led counter-terrorism training for G4S, and in Rio 2016, he worked with a Brazilian security contractor to deliver operational readiness programmes.
His work has since expanded into the Middle East, where he has provided intelligence and counter-terrorism training to various government agencies.
In addition to his professional achievements, Rutherford has climbed both Mount Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu, raising thousands of pounds for charity, driven by his determination to give back and inspire.