Our view

We try to do so in a professional manner which celebrates those unsung heroes who do so much to make this community a better place.

Sometimes there is tragedy as well as courage at the heart of a story. And in conveying those stories to you we strive to ensure we are always sensitive and respectful.

Today we find ourselves describing just one such unsung hero whose life has been cut tragically short. Jo Davies, 38, was a shining beacon in this community. We know that because we worked alongside Jo day in day out. Her smile and laughter lit up our offices. She also lit up the lives of those she met in this community. We know that because so many individuals have told us so.

What made Jo such an exceptional journalist is that she cared about the people she met, she cared about this community where she had grown up.

She also cared about her colleagues and about the Evening Mail. Jo set the standards in so many ways, particularly with her approach that if a job was worth doing it was worth doing well.

She was passionate about helping good causes, and would go out of her way to support organisations which needed a helping hand, through publicity in the Evening Mail. Those involved in health initiatives in the area know only too well the lengths Jo would go to promote their events, and rally people to get involved. The Walney Run, the Keswick to Barrow Walk, and the British Heart Foundation Barrow and Walney Walk are just three of the countless initiatives Jo threw her full support behind.

Tributes have poured in from all across the community over the last 24 hours. And they have all had one thing in common. They all talk about Jo’s smile, her generosity of spirit, her selfless attitude. Jo genuinely would go out of her way to help anyone who would benefit from her support. Jo’s wonderful husband, our sports editor Matt, will now ensure that spirit lives on. Fundraising events and activities are already being planned in Jo’s memory.

We feel sure this whole community, not just the Evening Mail, will give its full support to these events to raise as much money as possible for Jo’s chosen charities – Furness General Hospital oncology unit, St Mary’s Hospice and the Eve Appeal.

Jo was well-known for supporting good causes. We will make sure we carry on her exceptional work in the name of a valued colleague, a great friend, and a wonderful person who enriched all our lives.