Video shows Afghan war veteran taking his first steps on 'new legs'

A soldier who suffered terrible injuries after being blown up by a landmine in Afghanistan has taken his first steps, five years after the explosion that changed his life.

Sergeant Rick Clement, 35, of the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, has posted a video showing his tentative progress using prosthetics - the first steps in his plan to walk and place a memorial wreath at the cenotaph in his hometown of Blackpool, Lancashire.

This week, he posted on Facebook video footage of himself taking his tentative first steps online, which he captioned with: "Please like and share my first real steps towards the Cenotaph. A long way to go but I'm so chuffed with the start. #ASoldiersJourney."

The clip has been viewed over 840,000 times since it was posted to Facebookon 21st July.

Tim Gargan, a former recruit who trained under Sgt Clement at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick shared the video, saying he couldn't put into words the "pride, respect and inspiration" he felt.

His incredible bravery in the face of adversity has garnered widespread support from across the world, with millions of social media users following his remarkable story.

Sgt Clement was leading a foot patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan when he stood on a pressure plate which triggered an Improvised Explosive Device. The blast obliterated much of his lower body and damaged part of his arm. He attributes his survival to the quick thinking of them men in his platoon and the skills of the medics who worked to save his life.

You can follow Sgt Clement's journey and learn more about his charity for disabled veterans here.

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