Joanna Berry, daughter of Sir Anthony Berry who was killed in the 1984 Brighton bombing, has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her dedication to peacebuilding and reconciliation. At 27, Jo lost her father in the attack orchestrated by IRA member Patrick Magee during the Conservative Party conference. The bombing devastated the Brighton Grand Hotel, killing five people and injuring many others.
Now 67 and living in Frome, Joanna has spent the past four decades promoting empathy and forgiveness. Remarkably, she chose to forgive Magee after his release in 1999 and has since worked alongside him at numerous events focused on healing and understanding.
Receiving the award, Jo reflected, “I’m deeply honoured. This recognition goes to everyone who has supported me and to those who choose empathy over hatred. It marks a 40-year journey of choosing peace rather than revenge.”
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Founder of the charity Building Bridges for Peace, established in 2009, Joanna leads efforts to foster reconciliation through community outreach and workshops across the UK and internationally. She shared her thoughts on current conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the courage of those who reject hatred amid violence.
“This award elevates my platform to continue bringing positive change,” she said. “Our shared humanity must be recognised because dehumanising others only fuels conflict.”
Jo plans to attend the investiture ceremony with her three daughters, crediting their support for her strength throughout this journey. Reflecting on her father’s legacy, she says, “He would be very proud, as would my mother, who passed away recently.”
Alongside Jo, several other individuals from Somerset have been honoured this year, recognising contributions from across the county, including Bridgwater, Yeovil, Shepton Mallet, and Somerton.