Daughter of MP killed in Brighton bombing made CBE
THE daughter of an MP killed in the Brighton bombing 40 years ago has spoken of her pride at being made a CBE.
Jo Berry, 67, who lives in Frome, has dedicated her life to peace and reconciliation since her father Sir Anthony Berry, the former Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, died.
The bombing on October 12 1984 tore apart the Brighton Grand Hotel, where then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher and members of her cabinet were staying while the Conservative Party conference took place.
Five people, including Sir Anthony, were killed in the explosion and another 34 were injured.
The bomber, IRA member Patrick Magee, was handed eight life sentences at the Old Bailey in 1986, with a recommendation he serve a minimum of 35 years.
He was released in 1999 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Two days after the bombing, Ms Berry, who was 27 at the time, embraced peace rather than hatred and as part of her work she met Magee in 2000.
Since then they have appeared together at events hundreds of times.
In 2009 she set up the Building Bridges for Peace charity and has now been honoured for her lifetime's work by becoming a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
'When I read the letter I was in shock, such a surprise. I'm deeply honoured to receive this award,' Ms Berry told the PA news agency.
'It was not something that ever occurred to me would happen.
'For me it's about everyone who's supported me on my journey to help me achieve what I've achieved.
'I also see it as for everyone who's chosen empathy over hatred.
'For me it's about recognising our shared humanity even after loss and pain.
'It's recognising that it has been a 40-year journey when I made the decision to not hate, not go for revenge.
'Just two days afterwards I wanted to bring something positive out of it and I was only 27 and now I'm 67 and I've still got so much more to achieve, and this award will help.
'I think the hardest thing I had to do was what I chose to do. The hardest thing I chose to do was build the bridge with Patrick Magee, the man who killed my dad. And rather than blaming him, I listened to him.
'It was hard but it was also transformational, and I know it's given a lot of people hope of what is possible.
'I've dedicated my life to peace and reconciliation and that's what I got this award for, which I'm just so moved by it.
'I can't put it into words, I'm so happy.'
Reflecting on current global instabilities with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, Ms Berry said: 'There are people right now who are choosing not to hate even the midst of conflict.
'Even after being bereaved, I know there are people who have huge courage.
'This award, it really makes me think of everyone who's caught up in those wars and the violence, sending love and support.
'I feel this award will give me a higher profile and I haven't finished bringing anything positive, so maybe there's more I can do.
'I have done some international work and I would like to do some more.
'We all need hope, and we all need to be listened to and understood. My message is about shared humanity, that dehumanising anyone does not bring us peace.'
Ms Berry said she was looking forward to her investiture and hoped to take her three daughters with her.
'They are my rock and without them I couldn't have done what I've done,' she said.
'The oldest one is nearly 35. They are incredible. I'd like to bring them, I don't know how many people you can bring.
'My dad was made a Sir before he was killed and he had six children and I remember he said any of us could come, so he wanted to do it fair.
'He was such a fair man that we drew lots, and I remember the two that went, it wasn't me.
'I think he'd be very proud. Sadly my mum, who only died two years ago, she would be very proud as well.'
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