John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation funds for good causes

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation has additional funds to give out this year because Covid restrictions meant a reduction in awards made in 2021.

So this year there is an impressive £101,000 available to give to young people, including £33,000 for the new Jubilee fund, celebrating the Queen's 70 years on the throne.

Royal Marine John, 21, of Ferndown, lost his life serving in Afghanistan in 2008. The foundation, encouraging young people to 'climb as high as you can dream' was set up by his parents Pete and Linda and brother Ian, the same year.

Since then the charity has awarded more than £800,000 to young people and youth organisations, to help ambitions to be pursued.

After the latest trustee's meeting, Linda said: "Despite all the challenges 2021, was an incredibly successful fundraising year, with amazing support from many businesses, individuals and schools.

"But young people are still facing many restrictions and the opportunities available to them continue to be severely impacted by Covid.

"The constraints have resulted in a reduction in the number of JTYAF awards made during 2021, as the youngsters couldn’t take part in their activities in the same way as they did before the pandemic.

Linda added: "The £33,000 Jubilee funding will be available to eight schools in the Ferndown area and applications have been invited to bid for financial support for specific enrichment projects which will support the mental health and wellbeing of the children.

"The pandemic has disrupted the life of every child in our community and significantly impacted their mental health in many ways.

"They need support more than ever before and the JTYAF believe every child should have the chance of a bright future.

"We felt this fund was also an extremely nice way to celebrate this momentous year for Her Majesty, The Queen."

For more information on the Jubilee funding please contact jtyaf@outlook.org