Charity, Ferndown | Posted on January 20th, 2026 | return to news

Ferndown charity pledges funding of more than £60,000

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation will be once again helping local young people to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

A fund of more than £60,000 will be distributed to support the dreams and ambitions of local young people this year.

The trustees of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) – which is based in Ferndown – have pledged the funding following the impressive legacy of 2025, in which the charity distributed over £62,000, directly impacting 115 young people and funding 19 projects across local schools and youth groups. Awards last year ranged from £50, funding Duke of Edinburgh’s Award fees, up to £3,700 for Ferndown Upper School to help refurbish its library and create a new space for students to study.

Support will be available to young people from 18 youth organisations, with two new partnerships. JTYAF bursaries will provide access to Tall Ships Adventures for young people from Dorset and Wilts who face financial barriers. Meanwhile, aspiring young musicians joining the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band will receive instruments thanks to JTYAF’s generosity.

Additional funding has been earmarked for young people not affiliated with current JTYAF-supported organisations, broadening the Foundation’s reach and reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and diversity. To discover all the groups benefitting this year, see the JTYAF website.

Founded in 2008 in memory of Lieutenant John Thornton RM, who tragically lost his life serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan, the Foundation remains dedicated to helping young people ‘climb as high as they can dream’. Whatever the ambition, JTYAF aims to offer inspiration, practical support, and the resources for young people to turn their aspirations into reality.

The New Year has already seen nearly £6,000 awarded to young achievers, and with so much in store, 2026 promises to be an exciting chapter for JTYAF and the youth it supports.

To find out more about the Foundation’s work, the projects it supports, or to get involved, please visit jtyaf.org.