A BRAVE soldier maimed in an Afghanistan bomb blast has launched a £100,000 dare-devil fundraising challenge.

Sgt Rick Clement, 32, a former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil, lost his legs and part of an arm, after stepping on a mine during a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan in May 2010.

The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment soldier has battled back from being in a coma to drive again, swim, and marry his girlfriend Leanne in June 2011, thanks to help and support from charities including BLESMA, SSAFA, The Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.

Over the next 12 months, as a thank you to the charities, he plans to complete a sponsored parachute jump and swim in the ocean next to Great White Sharks. He is also run set to organise fundraising dinner nights and raffles.

Rick, from Sabden, but now living in Blackpool, said: “It’s massively important to me and my wife that we do something for the people who helped us.

“Without the help we’ve had in the past 18 months, my life would be completely different. I am now living in a specially-adapted house, without with I’d be stuck in a hospital.

“I want to show my gratitute and help the charities help others - young soldiers who have been injured after me.”

Rick said the idea of going to Australia and getting in a cage surrounded by Sharks is a lifelong ambition. He hopes to have the £6,000 for the trip in place by January 2013.

He added: “I’ve inquired with a company in Australia about doing it, and they’re confident that my disabilities won’t make it much more difficult than normal.

“The shark dive would be the last big push for sponsorship. I am already planning other things such as non-uniform days at local schools, events at army barracks and at Clitheroe pubs.”

To make a doantion, visit Rick’s website: a-soldiers-journey.co.uk.