Former Sergeant Rick Clement served with 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment until life-changing injuries sustained in Afghanistan ended his Army career. With support from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), including funding towards home adaptations and a specialist wheelchair, Rick has gone on to regain his independence and rebuilt the active life he feared he had lost.
Rick joined the Army just before his 17th birthday and went on to serve for 16 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant. His service included operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Just one month into his first tour of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, everything changed for the newly promoted Infantry Platoon Sergeant.
On 27th May 2010, Rick stepped on a Taliban improvised explosive device. He lost both legs, suffered severe wounds to his right arm, and endured other injuries. Rick credits the quick actions of his team and the emergency medical care at Camp Bastion with saving him. He says, “I owe them my life.”
Three weeks later, Rick woke up in hospital in Birmingham where he learned the full extent of his injuries. It was a difficult time. He says: “It wasn’t just the physical injuries. I was stuck in a hospital bed for four months with far too much time to overthink everything and be a prisoner in my own head.”
Following intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Rick faced the challenge of adapting to a completely different way of life. He went from being a fit fighting soldier of 30, to suddenly feeling far older and dependent on others.
Through determination, resilience, and hard work, however, Rick learned new ways of living independently. This included driving, swimming and managing everyday tasks around the home. He uses a wheelchair for mobility as his injuries meant he is unable to use prosthetics.
The ABF helped to support Rick during his journey. As well as providing funding for adaptations to his home, we awarded a grant towards a specialist mountain trike wheelchair to enable him to enjoy the outdoors. Rick says: “For the first time in years, I was able to go to the beach. This mountain trike wheelchair has changed my life.”
Today, Rick lives independently with his beloved dog, Sarge, close to family and friends. A lifelong football fan, Rick is Secretary of Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, where he works to ensure disabled supporters receive the access they need on match days.
Since leaving the Army, Rick has dedicated himself to giving back to the military and wider community. Drawing on the help he received during his recovery, he is an active supporter of numerous local and national charities, including the ABF, BLESMA, and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Rick has completed many tough physical challenges to raise funds, including open water swimming, abseiling, and canoeing 97 miles around the Cheshire Ring canal system. Most recently, this June, he swam 5km in Lake Windermere, in just over four hours.
Despite the long-term impact of his physical injuries, Rick says, “I am thankful that I don’t suffer from PTSD and I’ve been able to crack on. Battle injuries are not the end of the world; it is still possible to have a normal, rewarding, purposeful and fulfilling life.”
Rick’s determination, courage and positive outlook have earned him enormous respect within both the Armed Forces and his hometown of Fleetwood.
The Army Benevolent Fund is thrilled that Rick has reached the finals of the Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On 2026 in the Inspiration category. Vote for Rick here.