Jo Gardiner, a physiotherapist from Manchester and cast member of the BBC travel competition Race Across the World, has died at age 61 following an extended illness with cancer. Her family confirmed her passing and noted that she is survived by her other son, Charlie.
Gardiner and her son Sam competed in the second series of Race Across the World, which aired in 2020. The pair undertook a journey across South America as part of the BBC’s global travel competition, racing alongside four other contestant pairs from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina. Jo had initiated the participation to share a travel adventure with Sam, who had ADHD.
Sam Gardiner died in June 2025 at age 24 following a car crash. The vehicle left the road, rolled, and landed on its side. His death occurred approximately a year before his mother’s passing.
Family members described Gardiner as an intrepid adventurer and noted her qualities as brave, kind, witty, and loving. They emphasized her ability to make those around her feel more alive and her extraordinary personal magnetism. The family requested that those who knew her honor her memory by sharing stories, celebrating, pursuing adventures, and living life fully.
Gardiner had type 1 diabetes and served as an ambassador for Diabetes UK. Following her death, her family established a JustGiving page directing donations to the charity. The production team, BBC, and cast of Race Across the World extended condolences, recalling her passion for life and devotion to family during their statement.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI