Race Across The World star Jo’s family issue emotional statement after her death at 61 – a year after son Sam died

THE family of Race Across The World star Jo have paid tribute to her as a “brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving” mother following her death aged 61. The TV star died from cancer on Friday, just a year after her youngest son Sam was killed in a tragic car accident aged 24. Jo appeared on Race Across the World with her son Sam She took part in the second series of the show Credit: BBC/Studio Lambert Jo’s loved ones have now issued a moving statement to the public celebrating her extraordinary life. It read: “She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive. She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “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. “We know how deeply Jo was loved, and we take 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. More on Race Across The World The mother and son duo featured on the BBC show Credit: Adam Wiseman Jo and Sam with other fellow contestants “As we grieve, we ask for privacy, but we also ask everyone who knew and loved Jo to 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. “She was one of a kind. There will never be another her.” Sam, who appeared alongside Jo on Race Across The World, died after losing control of his car. while visiting family in Manchester and suffering a fatal brain injury. Jo adopted Sam when he was six months old and spoke movingly about their bond during their appearance on the BBC competition in 2020. Most read in TV The pair travelled across South America together as they competed in the show’s second series. Jo died “following a long and courageous battle with cancer”, her family previously confirmed. She is survived by her older son Charlie, whom she shared with ex-husband Andrew. Jo’s family have also established a JustGiving page in her memory, with all donations going to Diabetes UK. Comment now