Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner has died aged 61, just one year after her son and co-star Sam was killed in a car crash. The mother-and-son duo appeared on the BBC travel show’s second series in 2020, racing across South America from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina.
Family statement on Jo's death
Jo died following a ‘long and courageous battle with cancer’, her family said in a statement. ‘She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves,’ they said. ‘She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.’
The family added: ‘To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure.
‘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.’
Sam's death and the show's tribute
Sam, who appeared alongside his mum on Race Across the World, died aged 24 after losing control of his car. Jo had chosen to take part in the BBC show because she wanted to experience an adventure with Sam, who had ADHD.
The pair were among five teams competing in the series, which saw contestants travel thousands of miles without flying.
Tribute from Race Across the World
A spokesperson for Race Across the World said in a statement: ‘We offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends.
‘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.
‘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.’
