“Totally overwhelmed”.

The reaction of Pete Thornton, Chair of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).

He was speaking after ‘Around the World for JTYAF’ – a month-long virtual challenge organised by Air Cadet Junior Leaders – raised £23,901 for the foundation.

The challenge ran from February 1 to 28 with teams and individuals invited to collectively run, walk, cycle, and swim 40,075 km to take them virtually around the world.

In the event, the target distance was smashed with a week to go and a total of 59,095 kms completed.

More than 250 people ran, walked, cycled and even weight lifted, to ensure that the distance was achieved.

Air Cadet Junior Leaders and directing staff, from courses spanning 20 years, signed up for the challenge together with individuals from all walks of life.

They included Vicki Farrington, a member of the Junior Leaders course in 2003, the same year as John.

The Royal Marines Officer from Ferndown, pictured left, was killed while serving in Afghanistan with 40 Commando Royal Marines in 2008.

He was 22.

Vicki and John were great friends.

She not only took part in the challenge, cycling and running over 300 kms but achieved the Distance Leader Award for Team JTYAF.

Another participant, Emma Graves, pictured, was a member of the Junior Leaders Course in 2016.

Emma helped to organise the challenge and cycled and ran 1,271.63 km, raising £628.

John’s old school, Parley First School, entered a team and covered over 3,500 km raising more than £1,000.

Other entries included 40 Commando Royal Marines, cycling clubs,  JTYAF charity trustees and many more.

Pete Thornton said: “The kindness and generosity of the friends and family who supported the participants has been overwhelming.

“The JTYAF has a very special relationship with the Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course but we could never have expected this level of support.

“The Junior Leaders put an incredible amount of time and effort into organising this event.

“The success it achieved is testament to the professionalism and dedication of the team behind it.

“£23,901 will make a huge difference to the opportunities that John’s foundation will be able to provide for young people in the year ahead.

“We are totally overwhelmed by this fantastic support, as John would be too, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough.

“Every penny raised by this challenge will ensure that his legacy lives on, helping young people to achieve their ambitions.”

JTYAF was established in John’s honour.

While an Air Cadet, John completed the Junior Leaders course and was named as the top student on his course.

After completing the course, he was invited to become an instructor and help inspire the next generation of Junior Leaders.

Every course since 2010 has raised money for the JTYAF.

The 2021 total means that the Junior Leaders have now raised £210,000 for the foundation.

More information about the challenge can be found here.