A family who built a kindergarten in Fiji in memory of their son have now unveiled a new school library and computer room.

John and Tina Berry, from Pandy set up the Jack Berry Fijian Foundation in 2017 after the tragic cycling death of their 26-year-old son, whose wife Luisa had introduced the former soldier to her Pacific island homeland.

Within a year, they raised the funds to build the Jack Berry Memorial Kindergarten and attended the opening in Naqia in August 2018.

And thanks to more fundraising by family and friends, and on the fourth anniversary of Jack’s passing, they have now launched the Ratu Semi Turaga Technology Learning Centre, named in honour of Luisa’s uncle, a key figure in building the kindergarten.

Jack’s dad John explained: “As Jack’s wife was half Fijian and he loved it out there I decided to start the Jack Berry Fijian Foundation in order to build his legacy in Naqia.

“In 2018 we opened the Jack Berry Memorial Kindergarten and last week on the anniversary of his passing we opened our second project in Naqia which is a school library and computer lab.

“Over the years I have received many messages from Naqia, expressing their gratitude and telling me how blessed they feel.

“Yet in reality it is me that feels blessed that Naqia have allowed us to build such a legacy in their village.

“To date JBFF has now raised just over £112,000 which is a staggering amount in such a short space of time, particularly when we consider that we have lost the best part of two years to Covid.

“The vast majority of the money raised has made its way to Naqia, and is already making a huge difference.

“Amazingly our first project, the Jack Berry Memorial Kindergarten will soon be opening its doors to its fourth intake…

“And yesterday saw the formal opening of the second major JBFF project as we officially opened the Ratu Semi Turaga Technology Learning Centre.”

Built in the grounds of Naqia SDA Primary School, and close to the kindergarten, the new Technology Learning Centre will provide Naqia’s 150 young schoolchildren with a new library and a separate computer lab, complete with 20 computers, that will open up many opportunities.

In a message read out to villagers at the dedication ceremony, John said: “I know that you will all be as proud as I am, that this magnificent building carries Semi’s name and I’m sure he’s with you all this morning feeling equally as proud.”

He praised the “wonderful community spirit” that had helped realise the project and which had led to Jack falling in love with Naqia village life.

And John expressed “a huge thank you to everyone in Naqia for allowing Tina and I to continue building Jack’s legacy in your beautiful village”, and recalled how they had been “overwhelmed by the amazing welcome” they received when they first opened the kindergarten.

“I promised that the kindergarten would not be the end of our partnership but just the beginning – and the opening of this wonderful facility today is proof of that and is the next step on our journey together,” he added.

“Every single child who attends the kindergarten, every single child who learns something new in the library or sitting at one of the workstations in the Computer Lab, will ensure that Jack’s spirit lives on, and that his light continues to shine.”

Keen triathlete Jack was out training with friends for the Tenby Ironman in the Vale of Glamorgan when he was hit by a taxi in October 2017.

His family said his life was filled with adventure, and on one of his travels when visiting Naqia with wife Luisa, he fell totally in love with the village, the people, the children, the community, the animals and the back-to-basics lifestyle.

The Jack Berry Fijian Foundation is continuing to raise funds and will be holding a Spring Ball on April 2, 2022, at the Parkway Hotel & Spa in Cwmbran.

John is also making wooden reindeer and snowmen to sell and boost funds.

For more information, go to John’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/john.berry.3388