Jo Gardiner, a 61-year-old physiotherapist from Manchester, died after a long and courageous battle with cancer, her family confirmed. Her death follows the loss of her son Sam, who died in a car crash in May 2025 at age 24. According to The Guardian, Gardiner and her son competed in the second series of the BBC’s global travel competition in 2020.

A Shared Adventure

Gardiner and Sam participated in the BBC’s ‘Race Across the World,’ a travel show that challenges pairs to journey from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina. Jo entered the competition with her son, who had ADHD, to share a travel adventure. The pair faced challenges together, showcasing their adventurous spirits on the show.

Family Remembers a Remarkable Life

Relatives described Jo as an “intrepid adventurer” and remembered her as “brave, kind, witty, and endlessly loving.” Her family said she had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive. “She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves,” they said in a statement. They also mentioned that she was “our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure.”

Sam’s death in a car crash was a devastating blow to the family. According to a statement by Greater Manchester Police, Sam’s car veered off the road, rolled, and landed on its side. His parents expressed their grief, saying, “Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special.”

Legacy and Memories

In honor of Jo, her family asked that those who knew her “tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure, laugh loudly and live life to the full.” They emphasized that Jo was “one of a kind,” and her spirit will live on through the lives she touched. Her son Charlie survives her, and the family continues to honor both Jo and Sam’s memories.

Sam’s parents wrote, “He brought warmth, laughter, and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade.”