GETTING up early to milk cows and sheep shearing were among the popular lots at an auction of promises to help an amputee ex-soldier from Oakworth walk again.

The fundraiser by Slaidburn Young Farmers for veterans’ charity Woundcare4heroes and the Michael Clough Walk Again Appeal took place in the village hall.

In total, the big-hearted youngsters raised nearly £6,000, with proceeds split between Woundcare4heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support, their two chosen charities for 2017.

Other promises included home-made cakes, food hampers and offers to do household chores.

Last month, (February) 15-year-old William Whitaker presented Mr Clough with a cheque for £2,925 on behalf of Slaidburn Young Farmers at a fundraiser at Ossett Town Association Football Club.

William’s mum, Justine Whitaker, a consultant nurse who runs Northern Lymphology Clinic, has helped care for the ex-soldier post-amputation.

Mrs Whitaker separately raised £530 in donations from her patients.

Mr Clough, 36, who served in Second Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, seriously fractured his leg in a parachute training exercise in Cyprus in 2012. After three years and multiple surgeries, his left leg was amputated above the knee.

The ex-soldier, who served in Afghanistan, is aiming to raise £72,000 so he can fly to Australia for a bone-implanted prosthetic not available on the NHS.

Woundcare4heroes, a specialist veterans’ charity, has provided one-to-one clinical care and support for Mr Clough and is spearheading his appeal.

People can visit woundcare4heroes.org.uk/campaigns/michael-walk-again-appeal to donate or read more about the Michael's Walk Again Appeal.