'He made me belly laugh from start to finish': Hays Travel PTCs remember 'kind soul' Jon Berridge

Corby-based Jon Berridge spoke about his journey from education to travel at Hays Travel’s recent conference in Turkey a few weeks before suffering “a sudden unexpected cardiac event” on 23 December. 

Hays Travel said Berridge had been “full of energy and enthusiasm for his new career”, describing him as a "truly authentic and warm person".

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jon’s husband and family at this very sad time," said a spokesperson for the business.

“Jon joined us through our New to Travel academy and quickly established both himself and his travel business within our Hays Travel family.

“He was warmly received at our overseas conference in November, where we all enjoyed hearing about his successful journey from education to travel – down do his incredibly positive ‘can do’ attitude and lots of hard work.” 
 
The spokesperson added: “On behalf of everyone at Hays Travel, rest in peace Jon, you will be greatly missed.”

’Belly laughs’

Tributes have poured in from Berridge’s friends, family, customers and colleagues, including some of his fellow personal travel consultants. 

County Durham-based Kirsty Newton hailed Berridge’s “bravery” for leaving his teaching career to “pursue a dream”. “He has absolutely smashed being a personal travel consultant,” she said, posting to Facebook.

“As another Hays personal travel consultant, Jon and I got to share our first conference together to Turkey. Jon made me belly laugh from start to finish.

"We had such a great time, from dancing the night away to trying to sneak into the airport lounge together. He gave me so much inspiration, not just from his speech, but from the rest of our time we spent together."