LIEUTENANT John Thornton became another casualty of the war in Afghanistan when he died on March 30, 2008.

But to those who knew him, he was not just a fallen hero, he was a passionate and dedicated young man who stopped at nothing to achieve his dream.

Affectionately described as “a bit of a monkey” as a child, he grew into a teenager completely focused on going into the Royal Marines.

He joined the Air Training Corps and went through the ranks, becoming a sergeant very quickly. He started applying for entry to the Royal Marines from the age of 16 and finally clinched it at 19.

He achieved an amazing amount in his short life, climbing Kilimanjaro, flying with the Red Arrows, travelling across New Zealand, qualifying as a sky diver and working in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

John’s spirit is now reflected in the charity which proudly bears his name, the John Thornton Young Achievers’ Foundation, which raises money to help local youngsters achieve their goals.

The foundation works in association with Ferndown Upper School, Dorset and Wilts Wing Air Cadets and the Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course.

By the end of last year, £36,000 was collected and £3,000 has recently been handed out in bursaries and scholarships to each of the three organisations.