The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) honours the life of Lt John ‘JT’ Thornton RM, from Ferndown, who would’ve been 40 this year but was tragically killed in southern Afghanistan on 30th March 2008.

The JTYAF supports young people, inspiring them to aim higher and dream bigger by providing opportunities and financial support, particularly to those who might otherwise be unable to pursue their ambitions due to financial barriers. We provide young people with the means to progress, develop and follow their dreams.

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation helped my niece, Lauren, with funding to support her West End Kids dancing journey but Lauren tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of 16.