THE parents of a man killed whilst cycling abroad have seen their hoped-for legacy turned into a reality.

Last week, John and Tina Berry made a whirlwind visit to Fiji and the village of Naqia to witness the opening of the Jack Berry Memorial Kindergarten.

Keen to take part in the Ironman in Tenby, Jack was training with friends in October 2017, when a taxi driver drove into the back of them, killing him instantly.

His father, John Berry who grew up in Overmonnow and went to Monmouth School, decided that the money he was saving to help his son buy a restaurant should bring something positive out of Jack’s death.

Jack’s widow was half Fijiian and it was decided to fund a school on the island their son had fallen in love with.

The day started with an emotional walk through the village to see the newly completed kindergarten. Along the way, families were crossing the street to hug and shake hands with John and Tina, thanking them for blessing their community with the school. The highlight of the morning was then reaching the school gates, and seeing for the first time the school sign bearing Jack’s name. Not only did this represent the culmination of eight months hard work both in Wales and Fiji, but for them it was finally seeing John’s vision become a reality, knowing that they had created such an incredible, long-lasting legacy for Jack.

Opened by the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Salaseini Daunabuna, the quality of the building and all its facilities, compared to other kindergartens in Fiji was obvious. John said: “Seeing the children playing in the classroom and playground, as their parents and grandparents looked on with tears in their eyes, was just completely overwhelming and heartwarming.

“As well as supporting those children with a bright academic future we will also be looking to support children with more technical and practical skills, whether it be supporting them to attend apprenticeships across Fiji, or providing equipment to start their own businesses.

“Can I also finally take this opportunity to thank all our family and friends in Monmouth for all their support over the past 10 months, whether it has been words of comfort, or financial donations. I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and hope that every one of you is equally as proud as us.”