Tributes have flooded in for BBC Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner after her family announced her death following a "long and courageous battle" with cancer.
Sam and Jo Gardiner, the mother-and-son duo from Gatley, Stockport, competed in the second series of the BBC's Race Across the World in 2020, travelling across South America together in the hit show.
Family statement
Jo Gardiner died following "a long and courageous battle with cancer", her family said in a statement. The physiotherapist was described by her family as "an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving".
The statement said: "She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive. She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves. She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.
"To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure. We know how deeply Jo was loved, and we take comfort in knowing that her laughter, her courage, her kindness and her wonderfully outrageous spirit will live on in the many people whose lives she touched.
"As we grieve, we ask for privacy, but we also ask everyone who knew and loved Jo to do exactly what she would have wanted: tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure, laugh loudly and live life to the full. She was one of a kind. There will never be another her."
Fellow contestants pay tribute
It comes a year after Sam sadly died from his injuries three days after being in a car crash on the A34 in Stockport. Tributes have since poured in for the former BBC contestant, with her fellow Race Across the World competitors among those paying tribute.
Alfie Watts, who competed in the 2024 series alongside his brother Owen and went on to win the race, wrote: "Rest in peace Jo. Such an incredible woman."
Lizzie Slater, who competed in the second series alongside the mother and son duo, said: "So lucky to have known Jo, she was really one of a kind. Will miss her so much." Another 2019 contestant Rob Lambra-Stokes added: "Miss you mumma Jo."
Charity work and legacy
National FASD, a charity Jo worked closely with, said it was "heartbroken" by her death. The charity described Jo as a "compassionate and determined advocate" who used her family's experience to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and help others understand the condition and the importance of support.
They wrote: "We are heartbroken to learn of the death of Jo Gardiner. Jo was a compassionate and determined advocate who helped raise awareness of FASD, drawing on her family's experience to help others better understand the condition and the importance of support."
Following the devastating death of her son Sam, Jo and her family helped inspire an outpouring of generosity in his memory, raising significant funds for National FASD.
The charity added: "We always will remain deeply grateful for Jo's warmth, courage and commitment, and send our deepest condolences to her son Charlie, her entire family and all who loved her."
Plank PR, which worked closely with the Race Across the World cast, also paid tribute to Jo, describing her as the "matriarch of our Race Across the World family".
The organisation recalled how millions of viewers had remembered Jo and Sam's "transformative journey" across Latin America in 2020, and praised her "passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family".
Jo remained closely involved with the show's cast after her appearance. Just two months ago, she encouraged former and current contestants to take part in the Great Manchester Run to raise money for The Christie charity.
Away from television, Jo worked as a physiotherapist and ran her own clinic, alongside working for the NHS. She also lived with Type 1 diabetes and was an ambassador for Diabetes UK.
Together with Sam's father, Andrew, she campaigned to raise awareness and funds for FASD in memory of their son. Andrew has now set up a JustGiving fundraising page in Jo's memory, with donations going to Diabetes UK.
The page describes Jo as being remembered for her "wit, warmth and can-do attitude", adding that she "relished challenges and travel, and never let her condition hold her back".
It says Charlie wants to support Diabetes UK in memory of his mother, "in the hope that other diabetics take inspiration from her fortitude and enthusiasm".
