One of the best days of the year for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is meeting the students and presenting awards at the annual ceremony at Ferndown Upper School. The charity is very proud of it’s links with Ferndown Upper School, particularly as John was a former student there.

Bursaries and Scholarships which totalled almost £18,000 were presented to over 40 outstanding young people at a special assembly which was attended by charity trustees and local dignitaries. Awards ranged from sewing machines for students studying textiles, to ice skates and lessons. Funding will also provide 7 Raspbery Pi units to help to develop skills in computer programming, together with a contribution for the students taking part in a World Challenge expedition to Vietnam. This is just a flavour of the awards presented and exemplifies the diversity which the JTYAF encourages.

Pete and Linda were also delighted to catch up with a young lady who was an award winner in 2017. She had a bursary to take part in a Rodent Health Advisory Course and they were told how she has been able to set up a hamster rescue service due to the help she received from the JTYAF.

We look forward to hearing about the achievements of this year’s award winners and wish them all every success for the future.