Manchester Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner dies year after son

Gardiner’s 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 added.

“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.”