'40 for JT’ Challenge: Bringing People Together and Making a Difference
/The ‘40 for JT’ challenge, created in honour of what would have been John’s 40th birthday, has genuinely inspired our supporters.
Read MoreNews stories from the JTYAF about award winners, fundraising activities, sponsorship, events and general good news about what the JTYAF has been doing.
The ‘40 for JT’ challenge, created in honour of what would have been John’s 40th birthday, has genuinely inspired our supporters.
Read MoreThe JTYAF was honoured to be chosen as one of the supported charities for the recent Hearnes Ferndown Firework Event. This fantastic community event, organised by FunFest Events, was an outstanding success on every level.
Read MoreThe Cardboard Campout Challenge 2025, hosted by Ferndown Upper School Sixth Formers raised a staggering £10,095. A testament to these outstanding young people and their commitment and support of the JTYAF.
Read MoreDan’s recent feat, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, was nothing short of extraordinary. Dan not only conquered the route in just six days, but also raised a phenomenal £5,260 for John’s Foundation
Read MoreCongratulations to all our dedicated ‘pullers,’ who spent their August Bank Holiday Monday bravely pulling a Boeing 737, weighing in at 35,000 Kg, over a challenging distance of 50 metres at the Dorset Plane Pull event.
Read MoreThe 40 for JT Challenge has inspired some truly innovative fundraising activities centered around the number 40, and Swim Bournemouth came up with the brilliant idea to organise a raffle featuring 40 fantastic prize
Read MoreDan will be taking on the ultimate '40 for JT' Charity Challenge in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). A solo endurance cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats of 1040 miles!
Read MoreCouncillor Terry Cordery, a committed and enthusiastic supporter of the JTYAF, proudly chose John’s Foundation as his designated charity throughout his term as Mayor.
Read MoreWe would like to thank Hannah at Dorset Fit for all the time and effort she put into organising the Walk-a-thon at King George V Playing Fields.
Read MoreDan will be taking on the ultimate '40 for JT' Charity Challenge in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). A solo endurance cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats of 1040 miles!
Read MoreWe’re thrilled to announce that the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation has been selected to progress to the voting stage to become one of AFC Bournemouth’s charity partners!
Read MoreWhat an incredible day at Ferndown Middle School! To support the JTYAF, the entire school community came together for a Fun Run
Read MoreWest Moors Middle School students recently supported the 40 for JT Challenge with a ‘Colour Rush’ Fun Run. We were absolutely delighted to receive a cheque for an incredible £1830.54! What a fantastic fundraising achievement. We can’t thank the students enough for their support.
Read MoreHuge thanks to Paul and Alam for the 8th JTYAF Curry Night at the Cinnamon. These curry nights are a big favourite with our supporters and this one was another resounding success
Read MoreJoe Barnett, Co-Headteacher at Beaucroft Foundation School & College, told us, "It was a wonderful event - an amazing team taking on a marathon challenge for a wonderful charity that has a long-standing connection with Beaucroft."
Read MoreThe 40 for JT Challenge has inspired some incredible activities, and Paul, a former British and European Powerlifting Champion, certainly rose to the occasion. As the head of the Purbeck Powerlifting Club, Paul and his team of dedicated powerlifters took on the ambitious challenge of bench pressing 40 tonnes in just 30 minutes.
Read MoreThe JTYAF Vintage Afternoon Tea was a truly fantastic community effort and a hugely successful event raising almost £2,500 for John’s Foundation
Read MoreCouncillor Terry Cordery, the Mayor of Ferndown, cycled 40 kilometers for John’s Foundation on his 87th birthday!
Read MoreWe are thrilled to share the incredible success of the Quiz Night organised by Terry Cordery, the Mayor of Ferndown, in support of John’s Foundation. Terry, a great friend of the JTYAF, chose our foundation for his mayoral year, and we couldn't be more grateful.
Read MoreOur 40 for JT Challenge has kicked off with remarkable enthusiasm.
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.
Join us on social media
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.