CHARITIES honouring the memories of two inspirational young men who lost their lives are coming together for a special fundraising event.

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and the Steve Bernard Foundation are holding a quiz night after the families of John and Steve became good friends in recent years.

Talented footballer Steve of Winton died a car crash in 2005 while at university in Chichester. He was 18.

Three years later, John, 21, from Ferndown was killed in Afghanistan while serving as a Royal Marine commando.

Charities in their names were separately set up by parents Sue and Tony Bernard and their son Jacques and by Peter and Linda Thornton and their son Ian, to create legacies for Steve and John and bring something special and life-changing for others out of the two tragedies.

Since SBF was formed in February 2006, it has gone on to raise more than £700,000 for sporting projects based across Bournemouth, Dorset and the South Coast. To date, the foundation has supported more than 600 projects covering more than 30 sports and four continents.

The JTYAF helps young people fulfil their ambitions and dreams in whatever they want to pursue, which mirrors the path followed by John in his short life

The charity passed the milestone of £1m given away to thousands of young applicants earlier this year.

Both charities run entirely by family and volunteers and supported by local organisations.

Linda said: “We are really looking forward to our Alternative Quiz Night which has been organised with our good friends, Tony and Sue, working together to raise funds for two great local causes will help to make an even bigger difference to young people in our community.

“Tragedy has sadly brought us all together, but both Stevie and John have inspired a wonderful legacy which lives on in their memory.

“It’s a great partnership and the Alternative Quiz Night is sure to be a great night.’

Tony added: “We are delighted to join forces with our friends at JTYAF and put on this event, which will certainly be different from other quizzes.

“A big thank you to Kingren Groundworks for sponsoring the event, so every penny raised goes to our charities.”

The quiz takes place at Ferndown Upper School, where John was a pupil, on Friday evening, October 25.