News stories from the JTYAF about award winners, fundraising activities, sponsorship, events and general good news about what the JTYAF has been doing.
Cardboard Campout 2025 was such a huge success the Sixth Formers at Ferndown Upper School wanted to repeat the challenge again this year. A huge JTYAF thank you goes to all the local businesses helping the students prepare for their fantastic Cardboard Campout 2026.
Read MoreA dedicated 14-year-old language student has received JTYAF funding towards a five-day Year 10 GCSE Spanish trip to Málaga in 2027.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is delighted to support four Bournemouth Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, aged 12 to 16, as they take part in valuable offshore training courses.
Read MoreA talented 15-year-old from Ferndown Upper School has received a JTYAF scholarship to support his ambition to become a professional racing driver. His exceptional ability has already seen him progress from Junior Rotax to Senior Rotax two years earlier than usual.
Read MoreA huge congratulations to Stuart, who completed his first marathon while raising an incredible £775 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.
Read MoreLinda and Pete Thornton were honoured to attend the launch of Ferndown Upper School’s new library, a welcoming space that the JTYAF was proud to help make possible.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is delighted to support a talented 16-year-old athlete from Swim Bournemouth with a scholarship to help him continue developing in the sport he loves.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is proud to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Dorset, helping more young people access opportunities that build confidence, resilience and valuable life skills.
Read MoreThe John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is delighted to support Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, one of the largest and most successful youth marching bands in the South.
Read MoreA huge congratulations to Adam, Tom, Will and Pete, who successfully completed their incredible StairMaster Challenge, reaching their target of 3,586 floors in under 10 hours.
Read MoreCongratulations to our determined “pullers” who gave their all on August Bank Holiday Monday at the Dorset Plane Pull. A 35,000 kg Boeing 737 was hauled 50 metres, and we couldn’t be prouder of the East Dorset Sector RAF Air Cadets team that took part.
Read MoreOne of our exceptionally talented award winners has secured one of just 28 places available worldwide on the three-year Professional Conservatory programme at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.
Read MoreJTYAF support is helping an outstanding 16-year-old combine an ambitious sporting challenge with important community work
Read MoreThe JTYAF is delighted that Phoenix Musical Theatre has chosen John’s Foundation as its charity of support this year.
Read MoreThe JTYAF was delighted to support three pupils from St Michael’s Middle School on an unforgettable Tall Ships adventure—an opportunity that would not have been possible without funding.
Read MoreThe John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation is honoured to have been chosen by the Mayor of Ferndown as one of the charities he will support during his mayoral year.
Read MoreA 13-year-old member of Christchurch Scouts has received a JTYAF bursary towards a seven-day Scout trip to North Wales
Read MoreA talented 12-year-old musician has received a JTYAF bursary to fund a term of cello lessons, helping her continue developing her musical skills and work towards her Grade 4 examination at the end of the year.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is delighted to support a talented local swimmer as he prepares to compete at the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Birmingham this August.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is delighted to support Ferndown Squadron Air Cadets with funding towards an Adventure Training Camp at PGL Osmington.
Read MoreThe 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.
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Our £1million milestone video by Andy and Corin from the Bournemouth Echo 🎥
The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) was set up in memory of John Thornton who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008.
The JTYAF provides opportunities for young people to help them to develop as individuals and fulfil their ambitions in life as John was able to do.
Registered Charity Number: 1125277 . Postal Address: PO Box 7124 . Ferndown . Dorset . BH22 2DB
The JTYAF is supported by the following businesses, we are very grateful for their generosity.
