FOUR ex-servicemen completed a gruelling 3,586-floor StairMaster challenge in less than 10 hours, raising £2,500 for the Ferndown-based John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

Adam, Tom, Will and Pete took on the challenge at Ferndown Leisure Centre, climbing one floor for each member of the coalition forces who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

The challenge also honoured the memory of Lt John Thornton RM, from Ferndown, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008, aged 22.

Each man completed four sets of 200 floors before pushing through the final 96 floors together to reach its target.

The moneyraised will support scholarships, bursaries and personal-development opportunities for young people across Dorset.

Pete Thornton chairman of the Foundation said: “This challenge was about much more than climbing floors.

“It paid tribute to those who lost their lives in Afghanistan, honoured John’s memory and will help local young people pursue their ambitions.”

The charity thanked everyone who donated and supported the team, with special thanks to Sharrd Energy for sponsoring the event and to Ferndown Leisure Centre, part of Places For People, for hosting the challenge and donating £1,000.

The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation was established in 2008 in memory of Lt John Thornton RM.

It helps young people pursue their ambitions through scholarships, bursaries and funding for personal-development opportunities.