War hero overwhelmed by support as video shows him walking again

PROUD: Ricks video has received overwhelming support online

A war hero badly injured fighting in Afghanistan has told of his pride at the astonishing response to an online video of him walking.

Sgt Rick Clement lost both legs after stepping on a Taliban bomb five years ago.

At Christmas, Rick started to take his first steps thanks to a pair of £50,000 legs – and on Monday, the 35-year-old posted a video online showing him walking at a rehabilitation clinic in Preston.

In a day, the video has been seen more than 350,000 times, commented on by close to 2,000 people and shared by more than 10,000 users on social media site Facebook.

Former Clitheroe Royal Grammar pupil Rick, who also set up the charity A Soldier’s Journey, said the response had left him shocked and revealed he had been amazed by the level of support shown.

He added: “I have been trying to read through all the comments. It is kind of staggering really, the amount of support and kind messages.

“It will benefit the charity greatly too with all the exposure.”

Earlier this month a magazine front cover featuring the resort war hero has won a national award.

The photograph of Rick, who died twice in the hours after he stepped on a Taliban bomb, was taken by rock star Bryan Adams for the Big Issue and scooped Cover of th Year at the PPA Awards – the magazine industry’s Oscars.

Rick, of South Shore, said he hopes to lay a wreath at Remembrance Sunday in November.

He added: “On a personal level it is great to have all that support but shows the support for all the forces.

“I was speechless when I saw the response – it is fantastic to see the support.”