Race Star Jo Gardiner Dies At 61

Jo Gardiner, a 61-year-old physiotherapist and star of the BBC reality show 'Race Across the World', has died after a long battle with cancer. Her death comes a year after her son Sam's death in a car crash at the age of 24.

Gardiner and her son Sam competed in the second series of 'Race Across the World' in 2020, finishing fourth in the competition. The mother and son duo travelled across South America, racing from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina, and became firm favorites among fans of the show.

Jo Gardiner is survived by her other son, Charlie. Her family has described her as 'an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving'. They also said she 'lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves' and that she had a 'rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive'.

The BBC and Studio Lambert, the producers of 'Race Across the World', have paid tribute to Jo Gardiner and her son Sam. In a statement, they said: 'We offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo's son Charlie, and her wider family and friends... 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.'

## What happens next The Gardiner family has set up a JustGiving page in Jo's name to support Diabetes UK, a charity she was an ambassador for due to her own type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The family has asked that those who knew and loved her '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.'

## Why it matters Jo Gardiner's death is a significant loss for her family, friends, and fans of the show. Her bravery and kindness inspired many, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched. The outpouring of tributes from the BBC, Studio Lambert, and her family is a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

The death of Jo Gardiner also highlights the importance of living life to the full and cherishing the time we have with loved ones. Her family's statement, asking people to 'tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure, laugh loudly and live life to the full', is a poignant reminder to appreciate the time we have and to make the most of every moment.