A RIBBLE Valley soldier who was seriously injured in Afghanistan has announced he has raised more than £100,000 for charity.

Sergeant Rick Clement, who grew up in Chatburn, set up a charity, ‘A Soldier’s Journey’, after suffering the injuries in May 2010.

The 34-year-old former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil served in the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment for 14 years and was leading a foot patrol when he stepped on a landmine in the Helmand district. The blast blew off both his legs, severely damaged an arm, and caused terrible internal injuries, which meant he would never father children.

He now requires a full-time carer.

The fundraiser reached and then surpassed the £100,000 mark at a boxing event at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel. Speaking before the event on Twitter, Sgt Clement said: “In just a few days we will have reached our target £100,000 but we aren’t stopping there. I’d like to thank everyone for their help, support and, of course, money over the last 18 months.

“I will continue to do you all proud.”

As part of his extensive charity fundraising since setting up his charity, Sgt Clement challenged himself to swim with sharks last year in Port Lincoln, South Australia. Money raised through the charity is donated to the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association, the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association, ABF The Soldiers charity and Help for Heroes.

In 2012, Sgt Clement carried the Olympic Torch as it came through Blackpool, where he now lives.

For more information, visit www.a-soldiers-journey.co.uk