On 8th April 2015, a team of four amigos from Identity Experts Ltd and one Royal Marine Commando Officer took part in a 30 mile trek across Yorkshire. Paul, Danny, Jamie, Russell and Jo were no strangers to physical exertion, but that mainly revolved around walking from one pub to the other! So it was quite a challenge to complete the 30 mile trek in one day, and took us just over 12.5 hours from start to finish.

We chose to fund raise for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) for a number of reasons. JTYAF honours the life of Lt John ‘JT’ Thornton RM, from Ferndown, Dorset, who was tragically killed in southern Afghanistan on 30th March 2008. JT and Russell trained together as Royal Marine Commando officers, and Jo was fortunate enough to have met JT on a number of occasions. However, we all support the amazing work of the JTYAF, who fund raise tirelessly to improve the lives of young people and help make their dreams a reality.

John would have been 30 years old on April 12th and here at the Identity Experts Ltd, we thought that it was a fitting tribute to take part in the '30 miles for JT's 30th' challenge in his memory.  The final test on the Royal Marine Commando Course is a 30 miler, across Dartmoor with kit, so 30 miles is quite a significant distance for Royal Marines - and it is now for us after successfully completing the walk; our feet will never look the same again!

The JTYAF supports young people from a wide range of youth organisations, providing them with scholarships and bursaries to support their personal development and the pursuit of their ambitions. Recipients of the Charity’s Young Achievers Awards are selected for their demonstration of the Foundation’s key values: courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in adversity. Since its formation in 2008 the JTYAF has made awards to over 750 young people which total £290,000. In 2015 a staggering £75,000 has been allocated for awards which is an increase in the amount available in 2014 and will enable more young people to benefit from support.

Thank you for showing your support for this fantastic cause. Any contributions will be most gratefully received.

The Identity Experts (aka Paul, Danny, Jamie and Jo) and Russell (our '30 miler' veteran!).

*********************************************************************************