Why it exists?

 The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) will honour the life of Lt John 'JT' Thornton RM, from Ferndown, Dorset, who was tragically killed in southern Afghanistan on 30th March 2008. 

John achieved an incredible amount in his short but amazing life. Indeed, there are not many 22 year olds who can say they have climbed Kilimanjaro, flown with the Red Arrows, travelled across New Zealand, qualified as a sky diver and have worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan as an Officer in the Royal Marines.

John set his sights on becoming an Officer in the Royal Marines when he was 13 years old. Everything in his life then became focused on that goal and he worked tirelessly to achieve it.

He joined 2358 (Ferndown) Sqn Air Cadets in 1998 rising to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer before leaving in 2004 to join the Royal Marines. Among his many achievements were a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a parachute course at Weston-on-the Green, an RAF Marksman qualification and taking in part in the Nijmegen Marches on two occasions. 

He was named top student on the challenging Air Cadet Junior Leaders' Course - the achievement recognized by a memorable flight with the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton. Afterwards, he was invited to become an instructor at Junior Leaders, inspiring a number of his fellow Ferndown cadets to apply for and succeed on what has become known as the Air Cadet Organisation's toughest course.

John commissioned into the Royal Marines in August 2004. After completing a grueling 15 months of Young Officer training and being awarded the coveted green beret, his first appointment was a Platoon Commander with the 1st Battalion The Devon and Dorset Light Infantry with whom he deployed to Iraq, serving with distinction on Op TELIC 8.

He was subsequently appointed to serve with 40 Commando Royal Marines in January 2007 and was "thrilled at the prospect of leading Marines on operations." He deployed to Afghanistan in September 2007 in command of Charlie Company's Fire Support Group and it was in this role that he excelled throughout Op HERRICK 7, until he was tragically killed 2 weeks away from coming home safely.

What they do?

To advance the lives of, and help, young people who are studying at Ferndown Upper School, are members of the Air Cadets' Dorset & Wiltshire Wing, or who are members of the Air Cadet Junior Leaders' Course.

We will do this by providing financial assistance for, especially but not exclusively, leisure time activities and pursuits, so as to develop their capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.

In 2011 the expansion of the JTYAF will see the award of a significantly higher number of bursaries and scholarships across an even wider range of local youth organisations. The JTYAF has allocated £65,000 for awards in 2011 to advance the lives of young people from the NE Forest Division of the Girl Guides, the Dorset Music Service, the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service Cadets, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Ferndown Middle School, Beaucroft Foundation School, the Tall Ships Trust and the Coda Fiddle Orchestra which is in addition to the three core organisations, Ferndown Upper School, the Dorset and Wilts Wing of the Air Cadets and the Air Cadet Junior Leaders.

John lived his dream and died doing the job he loved. The aim of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is to encourage and assist young people to 'climb as high as they can dream.' Whatever their dream, we hope to help them achieve it.

          Our Purpose... 

To provide opportunity to develop outstanding people.

           Our Destination...

To be seen as a source of great British talent.

            Our journey will... 

Will honour the life of Lt John Thornton RM, by

encouraging young people to achieve their potential. 

       Our Values...

Courage- Determination - Unselfishness - Cheerfulness in Adversity

          What I ask from you.

             Please help me to sponsor this great foundation and help fund all the great                work they have done and continue to develop. The whole idea is to provide                  new and exciting opportunities to young individuals who strive to exceed and              overcome. Although I didn’t personally know John Thornton his wise words                have been passed down and have helped me to strive and succeed,                          especially with Junior leaders course.

             The task I am going to complete is to climb a series of 3 mountains each                  around 1300ft. I am going to complete the walk in March 2012 over a                          weekend with a collection of people. The walk is in an area of Scotland near              Aviemore, covering the three mountains of Ben Macdui, Cairn Toul and                      Braeriach.

             I thank you for taking the time to read this information and sponsoring me in              my task. 

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