Last week marked the ninth anniversary of the day when John Thornton and David Marsh were tragically killed in Afghanistan while serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines.

Four years ago today the publication of John’s Afghanistan diaries in the book entitled ‘Helmand: Diaries of Front-Line Soldiers’ was officially announced.

John can no longer stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother, Ian Thornton, and fellow Royal Marines whose diaries came together in this ‘vivid portrait of life on the front-line.  Their recollections are however united in one volume, side by side and will endure as an important insight into the life that our soldiers lead on operational deployment.

In honour of John Thornton, his family established the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. John achieved so much in his short life and to emulate this, the Foundation (based in Dorset) provides opportunities for local young people to achieve their ambitions and potential.

Since its formation the charity has made awards totally over £480,000 to almost 1250 young people. A legacy that his family know John would be both  amazed by and proud of.

Ian Thornton talked at the Words for the Wounded LitFest last week in High Wycombe and we’ll write more about this shortly, in the review of a fabulous day.

To learn more about JTYAF: www.jtyaf.org