A charity is challenging Dorset residents to take on a 30-mile challenge in memory of a Royal Marine who would have turned 30 years in April.

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation was set up in memory of the soldier, who was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2008.

As a tribute to their son, Linda and Pete Thornton are asking people to challenge themselves, get fit and raise some money for a good cause in the process, ahead of what would have been John’ birthday on April 12.

Linda said: “We thought that it would be a fitting tribute to take on a 30 mile challenge in his memory.

“One of John’s friends has taken 30 Miles for JT’s 30th to another level. Matt Everett will be attempting the Marathon Des Sables, which is 156 miles in the Sahara Desert over five days.

“As part of his fundraising, Matt is going to be asking supporters to ‘Buy a Drink for John’ donating what they would have spent on a pint or a cuppa to his JTYAF sponsorship.”

Participants in the task can run, walk, cycle, swim, row or cover the distance in the gym, which could be done over several days, as long as it adds up to 30-miles, between March 30 and April 12.

Linda added that people need to be self-motivated and design their own routes and distances.

Registration is £5 per person, which includes a t-shirt and a fundraising pack, and as part of the participant’s commitment to the task, they are asked to raise a minimum of £30 for the JTYAF.

As a fun extra, people are asked to send in a photo of themselves taking part in the 30-mile challenge.

For more information, go to the website jtyaf.org or call Pete on 07792 121 645.