AWARDS handed out by the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation are heading towards a quarter of a million pounds.

The Foundation was set up in 2008 following the tragic death of Royal Marine John Thornton in Afghanistan.

An impressive £60,000 was raised in 2013, bringing the total since the Foundation was formed to an impressive £220,000.

Throughout last year around 175 young people received bursaries to allow them to follow their dreams.

Events held which raised money included a Plane Pull, Pram Race, Lions Horse and Dog Show and the Bournemouth Marathon Festival.

Last April, just over five years since John’s death, his words were seen in print thanks to the publication of Helmand: Diaries of Frontline Soldiers.

And this Christmas has seen the charity’s Christmas single, Fairytale of New York, achieve more than 5,000 views on YouTube.

Among the recipients were pupils at Ferndown Middle School who received bursaries for orchestral music lessons and Air Cadet Junior leaders who travelled to Nepal and successfully completed a trek to Everest Base Camp.

John’s dad, Peter, said: “I think it is amazing that we have managed to raise £60,000 this year in this climate.

“There have been some fantastic fundraising events and we are looking forward to many things next year including a sponsored skydive and more involvement with the Air Festival and Bournemouth Marathon Festival.”