Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner has died, a year after her son and fellow contestant Sam Gardiner tragically passed away. Tributes have been paid to Jo, who competed on season two of the popular BBC programme alongside Sam.
Sam died last year aged 24 in a car crash. Jo has now died a year later, as a heartbreaking statement was shared by Plank PR, who handle publicity for the show.
Tribute to 'the matriarch of the Race Across the World family'
Alongside a picture of Jo, the statement said: "We are very sad to share the news that Jo Gardiner, the matriarch of our Race Across the World family has died. Following the tragic death of Jo’s son Sam last year, we paid tribute to how integral Sam and Jo had been to series two."
"Millions of people remembered their transformative journey across Latin America in 2020 and we hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo’s passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family."
"Jo became the matriarch of the @raceacrosstheworld cast family and only two months ago she inspired contestants, old and new, to run The Great Manchester Run for The Christy Charity which Jo was committed to raising money for."
"Throughout her life Jo was driven to make a difference in everything she did. She worked as a physiotherapist and had her own clinic as well as working for the NHS. She lived with Type 1 diabetes which she was keen to raise awareness of and was an Ambassador for Diabetes UK."
Campaigning in memory of Sam
"Together with Sam’s father Andrew, she campaigned to raise money and understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in memory of Sam. We’ll always remember how Sam described Jo in his press pack - 'She always seems to get things right, she can speak to people, she can fix things, she is amazing.'"
"And that is exactly how we remember Jo, for being amazing. She leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she has touched: through the millions of viewers who loved her in the series; to the people she worked with; to those she helped in all her fundraising; her utter devotion to her family, her extended family and friends - all of which is testament to just how amazing she was."
"Sam’s father Andrew is fundraising in Jo’s memory. We offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends, and of course the Race Across the World cast."
Jo's cancer diagnosis and fundraising page
On the JustGiving page posted by Andrew Gardiner, it said: "We are sad to announce the recent passing of Race across the World contestant, Jo Gardiner"
"She spoke candidly during the journey through South America about her cancer diagnosis. Sadly, she has now succumbed to the disease. Remembered for her wit, warmth, and 'can do attitude', Jo leaves behind Charlie Gardiner, after his brother and Race contestant Sam Gardiner, died in a car crash last year."
"Having been diagnosed as diabetic in her early teens, Jo relished challenges and travel, and never let her condition hold her back. Charlie would like to support diabetes UK in memory of his mother, and in the hope that other diabetics take inspiration from her fortitude and enthusiasm."
After Sam's death in a car accident last year, a Race Across the World spokesperson said: "Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo."
"Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result."
"Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends."
Jo and Andrew's joint tribute to Sam
Jo issued a joint statement with Sam's dad, Andrew, last year as they paid tribute to their son. The statement said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and while words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special."
"He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland."
"Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade".
Sam and Jo took part in the journey on season two of the programme, which saw them travel from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina. The series was broadcast in 2020. The two did not complete the full journey as they ran out of money, but their touching bond that developed on the journey captured the hearts of viewers.
