FRIENDS and family of a war hero maimed in an Afghanistan bomb blast have organised a seven-mile walk as part of a bid to raise £100,000 for charity.

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 the British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association, SSAFA, The Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes.

More than 20 of his family and friends will be joined by the Mayor of the Ribble Valley, Coun Simon Hore, to take part in the walk around Stocks reservoir in the Forest of Bowland next month, to raise funds as a thank you to the charities.

Olympic torchbearer Rick, from Chatburn, is unable to take part in the event but is hoping that it will attract lots of support. The walk has been chosen as it is accessible to residents with restricted mobility.

Rick’s mum, Kay Plant, who is an accounting technician for Ribble Valley Council helped to organise the event. She said: “I really wanted to do something to help Rick reach his £100,000 target.

“We are not only doing this to try to raise the money but to show our support to The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.”

So far Rick has raised £5,150.

Over the next 12 months he plans to complete a sponsored parachute jump and swim in the ocean next to great white shark.

The walk takes place on Sunday May 6. Contact Kay on 01200 414494 or 414439 for more details.