News stories from the JTYAF about award winners, fundraising activities, sponsorship, events and general good news about what the JTYAF has been doing.
We’re delighted to award a bursary for fishing equipment to a 14-year-old who shows real skill, dedication, and a strong personal connection to fishing. For him, fishing is more than a hobby. The quiet time, patience, and achievement help him balance school and wellbeing.
Read MoreA guest appearance by local author Janine Pulford will take place at the JTYAF stand at Fete on the Field in Ferndown on 20 June. Dorset author Janine Pulford will be signing copies of her latest release ‘Paws in the Flood’ at Ferndown Fete on the Field in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.
Read MoreWe were delighted to hear from a former JTYAF award winner whose bursary helped her buy a drum kit and continue pursuing her ambition of becoming a professional drummer.
Read MorePaul and his gym buddies from Purbeck Powerlifting Club are preparing to take on an extraordinary fundraising challenge for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. Their goal is to bench press an incredible 50 tonnes in just 40 minutes — a feat that will test strength, endurance and teamwork to the limit
Read MoreWe are delighted to share some wonderful news. The JTYAF has now purchased the minibus that we had previously leased for the past 10 years.
Read MoreWe’re delighted to share how the JTYAF has been able to support ten students from Lytchett Minster School as they take part in their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions.
Read MoreWe’re incredibly proud to share the impact of our recent support for an amazing four‑legged hero through Helpful Hounds.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is proud to welcome the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band as one of their organisations of support for 2026.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is proud to support Hayley’s wonderful Child in the Wild Forest School by funding sessions for families who might not otherwise be able to enjoy the benefits of outdoor play and learning.
Read MoreThe annual Vintage Afternoon Tea at the Barrington Centre, held in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, once again proved to be a wonderful celebration of community spirit and generosity.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is proud to be supporting the ambitions of talented young people, and recently, we had the privilege of helping a gifted snooker player to enter the World Snooker Federation Championships in Bulgaria.
Read MoreA huge JTYAF thank you goes out to Paul for his exceptional organisation of the 9th JTYAF Curry Night at the Cinnamon Indian Restaurant in Ferndown.
Read MoreA talented 16-year-old Sea Cadet from Bournemouth is set to achieve his Day Skipper Theory qualification, thanks to the support of JTYAF.
Read MoreOur recent Quiz Night was a fantastic success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part. The evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition and a wonderful sense of community. Congratulations to ‘A Good Vintage’ who was the winning team.
Read MoreOne of our award winners received a bursary to support her ambition of competing in more dog agility competitions, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for Crufts — and we’re thrilled to say she did just that.
Read MoreThe JTYAF is thrilled to announce its support for three exceptional local Scouts and Guides, who have been chosen to represent Dorset County at the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdansk, Poland, in 2027.
Read MoreWe send our thanks to all the members of Twenty4Art for choosing the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) as one of their supported charities during their Art & Craft Sale & Exhibition.
Read MoreA huge thank you to Emily for once again organising the JTYAF Christmas Bingo night at the Cumberland Hotel — our sixth consecutive year of this much-loved event.
Read MoreThe RAF Air Cadets from Highworth Supermarine Squadron took part in an unforgettable experience at the 2025 Air Cadet Remembrance Camp in France, thanks in part to the support of the JTYAF.
Read MoreA motivated and determined 15 year old has received vital funding to purchase professional hair cutting equipment—an essential step towards his dream career.
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.
