Jo Gardiner, a 61-year-old physiotherapist from Manchester, has died following a prolonged illness with cancer, according to an announcement from her family. She is survived by her other son, Charlie.
Gardiner competed on the BBC’s global travel competition Race Across the World during its second series, appearing alongside her son Sam. The pair traveled across South America in 2020, racing from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina alongside four other competing pairs. Their participation in the program was motivated by Jo’s desire to share a travel adventure with Sam, who had ADHD.
Sam Gardiner died in June 2025 at age 24 following a car accident in which the vehicle left the roadway, rolled, and came to rest on its side. Jo’s death occurred approximately one year later.
In a statement, her family described Gardiner as an intrepid adventurer who was brave, kind, witty, and deeply loving. They noted her ability to make those around her feel more connected to life and requested that those who knew her honor her memory by sharing stories, raising a glass, pursuing adventures, and living fully. Jo Gardiner had type 1 diabetes and served as an ambassador for Diabetes UK. Her family has established a fundraising page supporting the charity in her name.
A spokesperson for Race Across the World issued a statement expressing condolences to Charlie and the broader family circle, noting that millions of viewers remembered the mother and son’s transformative journey across Latin America and recalling Jo’s passion, kindness, strength, and devotion to her son and family.
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