FROM South Africa to Sweden, 25 motivated Ferndown Upper School students are off to spread the legacy of Royal Marine John Thornton.

Nearly three years on from his death in Afghanistan, proud parents Linda and Peter Thornton were still hearing new stories about John as they handed out £15,000 of awards at his old school.

Linda said: “One of the recipients was telling me how her sister studied here with John.

“When she injured herself in a sports competition, he waited in hospital with her all night.

“He would go that extra mile for everyone and would be so proud today.”

Money went to projects demonstrating the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation’s core values of courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in adversity.

Ice-skater Ben Smith, 16, gets up at 3am to train to be British Novice Pairs Champion and will spend his £1,000 on lessons and travel.

Ben said: “I hope it will be my career, coaching and travelling the world with shows.”

Swimmer Lucy Kirkham, 14, a 2016 Olympic hopeful, can now buy an Olympic standard swimming costume thanks to her award of £214.

Her sister Amy Kirkham, 18, will spend her £500 on a gymnastics coaching qualification.

Seventeen-year-olds Kelsey Green, Nina Warwick and Jess Cusack will work in a South African orphanage this summer, while Tom Newton and Matthew Chine, both 17, are doing the Three Peaks Challenge for charity.

Matthew said: “We really wanted to give something back to the community.”

Will Hewitt, 15, and Sam Reagan, 14, are off to a month-long Scout jamboree in Sweden, where they will meet people from all over the world.

And 16-year-old Nick Cossins’s sum means he can buy his own trombone after he leaves school.

Headteacher Alex Wills said: “We want our young people to be proud of what they do and for the world to know about their talents.

“That is what makes them whole people.”

In total, the JTYAF will hand out £65,000 to young people this year.