Jo Gardiner, who appeared on series two of BBC's Race Across The World in 2020, has died aged 61. Her family shared the news a year after her son Sam died in a road collision at the age of 24.
The Manchester-based physiotherapist died following a "long and courageous" battle with cancer, her family said. They described her as "an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving".
Family tribute
The family's statement continued: "She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive. She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves."
They added: "She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure," calling her "one of a kind". They said: "There will never be another her."
Tributes from co-stars and fans
Fellow season two contestant Rob wrote: "Miss you mumma Jo," while series four winner Alfie Watts commented: "Rest in peace Jo. Such an incredible woman." Emon, who won season two in which Jo and Sam featured, shared a heart under a tribute post on the Race Across The World page.
One fan wrote: "Such sad news. She was a lovely lady and a great person to watch on RATW." Another said: "I am so saddened to hear this. I spotted Jo in Pets at Home a few years ago and accosted her she was happy to chat about RATW, and tell me how well Sam was doing. She was such a lovely lady. Sending much love to Charlie."
Production team's statement
The Race Across The World team also shared a tribute, writing: "On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across The World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo's son Charlie, and her wider family and friends."
They added: "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."
The statement concluded: "At the time of filming, Sam described his mum as amazing - and that is how we will always remember her. Jo became the matriarch of the Race Across the World cast family, she leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she touched, both through the series and beyond. It was a privilege to share her story and she will be deeply missed."
Jo was a proud ambassador for Diabetes UK. The family has set up a JustGiving page in her name, with all donations supporting Diabetes UK. Race Across The World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
