A MUM who launched a charity to help young people achieve their dreams after the death of her son has been recognised by the Queen.

Linda Thornton and husband Pete established the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF) in 2008. Linda was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's birthday honours list.

She was presented with the medal by Angus Campbell, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, in a ceremony at Bournemouth Town Hall yesterday. Friday, March 30 will mark a decade since son John, a lieutenant in the Royal Marines, was killed in Afghanistan at the age of just 22.

Linda was joined at the ceremony by both Pete and son Ian, who is also in the armed forces and has served in Afghanistan.

She said: "It's wonderful for the charity to be recognised nationally in this way. It's just amazing.

"It's John's anniversary in a couple of days, and that does make it more poignant for us.

"This is for him. The charity is in his name, and it's all for him."

The foundation has raised almost £600,000 to support youngsters from East Dorset over the past 10 years.

Some £130,000 has been awarded to students of Ferndown Upper School. John was a former pupil of the school.

The charity also supports a range of organisations in the area.

Linda said: "This award is for everyone who supports JTYAF.

"Running the charity is a big team effort and it would be impossible without our supporters.

"It's a testament to everyone's hard work."

The foundation's motto, 'climb as high as you can dream', was inspired by John's love of adventure.

He climbed Kilimanjaro, flew with the Red Arrows, travelled across New Zealand and qualified as a sky diver.

At the age of just 13, he set his sights on becoming an officer in the Royal Marines. He then worked tirelessly to achieve his goal.

Linda said: "Today is very much about John.

"He inspired this charity. It's his foundation."

Eileen Wright, a volunteer who has served with the Bournemouth Hospital charity for 13 years, was also awarded her BEM at the ceremony.

Eileen was recognised for her services to healthcare and charity.

She first began volunteering with the aim of supporting the Jigsaw Building, which opened in 2015.

Since beginning her work with the hospital, Eileen has helped to raise more than £12,000.

Presenting Eileen with her award, Mr Campbell said her fundraising activities range from trekking the Great Wall of China to hosting bridge nights and even collecting donations outside Bournemouth supermarkets.

Eileen was nominated by her manager at the hospital charity.

Daughter Natalie said: “Mum’s so modest.

“She does so much, but she keeps it all quiet so there’s no fuss.

"We're so proud of her."

Bournemouth's mayor, Councillor Lawrence Williams, said he was "delighted" to host the ceremony in his parlour.

"Whenever the Lord-Lieutenant asks me to host an event, I'll always say yes," he said.

"I feel privileged and lucky to be able to do it and meet the people here today."