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Fleetwood Town Community Trust’s amputee veteran completes incredible feat

Fleetwood Town Community Trust’s Community Engagement Manager – and former army sergeant – has carried out an incredible fundraising challenge.

After hearing a local woman’s battle with terminal cancer, Rick Clement was inspired, and decided to task himself to complete the Great North Swim in aid of her and her family.

Serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan as a soldier for 14 years with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment before joining the EFL Club Community Organisation, Rick suffered life-changing injuries after encountering an improvised explosive device.

As a result, Rick lost both of his legs and suffered severe damage to an arm.

A regular fundraiser for several local causes and armed forces charities, the 44-year-old from Fleetwood was embraced by Sarah Jones at the finish line, after he completed the one mile race in 1 hour and 17 minutes.

“The first half was against the wind with the waves crashing into me as I took a breath, so I had to adapt my strokes to raise my head further above the water line,” said Rick about his challenge in Windermere.

But I kept setting my targets to the group of people in front of me and began to slowly hunt them down. As I hit the halfway marker it felt like I had made good time, and I knew the wind would be behind me on the way back.

“As I swam, I thought about Sarah and knew I couldn’t let her down by failing to finish. As I hit the finish line, I felt proud to have achieved my goal for Sarah and her family.”

Sarah said of Rick who oversees the management of a variety of projects all aimed at positively influencing the lives of local people:

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to an extraordinary guy whose strength and determination are truly inspiring.

“Rick’s commitment to raising funds despite facing his own challenges is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for compassion and resilience. His efforts have not only provided support in my battle against terminal cancer but have also raised awareness about the struggles faced by many in similar situations.

“His selflessness and dedication are a beacon of hope and have made a significant impact on my life, my family, and the lives of others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity and for showing the world what true courage looks like.”

With an initial target of £500, Rick, from Fleetwood, managed to surpass this and raised over £1,700. The funds will allow Sarah and her family to create some valuable memories.