At their meeting on Saturday the Trustees of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation allocated a staggering £86,000 for awards in 2020!

This money will be used to provide bursaries and scholarships to local young people providing them with opportunities to discover their potential and develop their talents as they work towards achieving their ambitions.

Young people from seven local schools will benefit together with North East Forest and North East Minster Girl Guides, East Dorset & Christchurch District Scouts, the Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course, Dorset & Wilts Wing Air Training Corps, Dorset & Wilts Fire Cadets, Bournemouth Sea Cadets & Royal Marine Cadets, and members of the Coda Fiddle Orchestra and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Bursaries will also be provided to young people from Dorset who need financial support to take part in sailing adventures with the Tall Ships Youth Trust.

The charity was set up in memory of Lt John Thornton RM who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008. As the Foundation approaches it’s 12th anniversary there is no better time to reflect on John's legacy and all that has been achieved in his name. The figures are quite incredible. The JTYAF has supported almost 2000 young individuals together with numerous group and whole school projects. It isn't however the total amount of money awarded or the number or individuals and groups who have benefited, but the difference that these awards have made to young people's lives which is the cause for celebration.