Jo Gardiner, a physiotherapist from Manchester who competed on the television adventure series Race Across the World, has died at age 61 following an extended illness. Her death comes approximately one year after her son Sam, her co-star on the show, was killed in a car crash. The family confirmed that Gardiner died "following a long and courageous battle with cancer."
Gardiner and her son Sam travelled together across South America during the second series of the show, which aired in 2020. They journeyed from Mexico City down to Ushuaia in Argentina, competing alongside four other pairs of contestants. According to reports on the series, the pair made it to the seventh leg of the race before withdrawing from the competition. Sam worked as a landscape gardener, and the mother and son chose to participate in the show because Gardiner wanted to experience a travel adventure with Sam, who had ADHD.
The pair's journey on the show was particularly meaningful given Gardiner's health challenges. A reunion update from the show's second series noted that Gardiner's cancer had returned but later went into remission, allowing her to continue with her life and family.
Sam's Death and Its Circumstances
Sam Gardiner died in June 2025 following a road traffic collision. An inquest into the crash found that inadequate tyre tread was a significant factor in the accident, which occurred on the A34 near Manchester after his vehicle left the road and rolled over. His death marked a devastating loss for the family just months before Jo's own passing.
Family's Tribute
Gardiner's family released a statement celebrating her life and character. They described her as someone who "lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves." The family said:
She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive. She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best. To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure.
The family added that they took comfort in knowing that "her laughter, her courage, her kindness and her wonderfully outrageous spirit will live on in the many people whose lives she touched."
Gardiner is survived by her son Charlie. The BBC and the Race Across The World social media accounts confirmed her death and sent condolences to her surviving son, her wider family, and friends.
Key Facts
- Jo Gardiner competed on Race Across the World series two in 2020 alongside her son Sam
- The pair travelled from Mexico City to Argentina, reaching the seventh leg before withdrawing
- Sam Gardiner died in a car crash in June 2025; an inquest found inadequate tyre tread contributed to the accident
- Jo Gardiner died one year later following a prolonged cancer illness
- She is survived by her son Charlie
