From Combat to Conquering the Great North Swim for a Cause Close to His Heart
During this year's Arla Great North Swim, one man will be diving into something far deeper than the water. Meet Rick Clements, 45, from Fleetwood in Lancashire, who will take on the course with passion, determination, and with a story that inspires at every turn of the tide.
For many, swimming two miles in open water is an impressive feat. For Rick, it's something more - it's a symbol of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication. A former Infantry Platoon Sergeant with the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, Rick served 14 years in the Army before sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan after an IED explosion. He lost both legs, severely damaged his right arm, and endured other injuries that would bring most to a halt. But Rick isn't most people.
After completing the one-mile Great North Swim last year, he was hooked - not just by the challenge, but by the clarity, strength, and peace he found in the water. "Swimming is extremely good for wellbeing,” he says. “As a wheelchair user, it helps me stay in shape. But it's more than that - swimming gives me time to think and reset. I've always been a water baby."
This year, he's doubling the distance - two miles of open water in Lake Windermere - powered by grit, purpose, and a mission to raise funds for AFC Fylde Community Foundation. The foundation supports isolated elderly individuals, Armed Forces veterans, and young people facing difficult circumstances along the Fylde Coast - communities Rick deeply connects with and cares about.
“I'm inspired by my community and those in need,” he says. “This foundation changes lives, and I want to be part of that.”
Rick is pushing hard to reach, and exceed, a £2,000 fundraising goal. But he's not just fundraising - he's training like a machine. He training for the Great North Swim took him to Fuerteventura to a fitness and wellbeing resort, swimming daily and taking on multiple CrossFit-style workouts every day. “I feel great. I'm physically ready, and as an ex-Army man, mentally I'm always ready.”
For Rick, the Great North Swim is more than an event. It's a reason to train and a way to give back. And for anyone thinking of signing up, he offers powerful advice: “Absolutely do it. It's a brilliant event. If I can swim one mile - soon to be two - with no legs, then you can definitely take on whatever distance you feel ready for. Just start. You'll surprise yourself.”
The Great North Swim will be back from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026 and Super Earlybird entries are open. Sign up for next year here to get our lowest entry price.