THE adventures of a hugely popular former Evening Mail journalist have inspired the production of a calendar celebrating her life.


GREAT CAUSE From left: Jayne Cargan, Claire Crisp and Matt Davies promote the Live Like Jo 2016 calendars, with dog Meg, which are on sale now. The calendar features various images of Matt’s wife Jo Davies, a reporter at the Evening Mail who passed away earlier this year. The money raised from the sales will go to Jo’s Appeal, which supports FGH Oncology Unit, St. Mary’s Hospice and The Eve Appeal LINDSEY DICKINGS The aim of the Live Like Jo 2016 calendar is to raise money for Jo’s Appeal – a charitable trust set up in memory of Jo-anne Davies, who died in August, aged 38.

Jo’s Appeal came about because the former Chetwynde School pupil wanted to give something back for the fantastic medical care and support she received after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010.

She was extremely grateful for the dedication and expertise she benefited from which allowed her to live a very enjoyable and active five-and-a-half years, and she wanted to raise money for Furness General Hospital oncology unit, St Mary’s Hospice and national women’s cancer charity, The Eve Appeal.

As a features writer for the Evening Mail, Jo promoted sport, health and fitness in the south Cumbria area and the many challenges she undertook for the paper inspired many people to get active.

Jo also went on many worldwide trips with husband Matt and the couple also travelled extensively around the UK in their campervan with Patterdale terrier Meg.

Jo’s love of adventure and the outdoor life provided great photographs for the calendar – the idea for which came about when Matt and friends were discussing ways to raise money for Jo’s Appeal.

“It was one of my mates Hez (Paul Herron) who first suggested a calendar and we thought it was a cracking idea,” said Matt, who is also thankful for the help he received from Claire Crisp, Jo’s former Evening Mail features department boss, and Jayne Cargan, another friend and work colleague.

“I mentioned it to Claire, who had already offered to help Jo’s Appeal in any way she could, and she really grabbed the bull by the horns.

“She managed to get sponsorship from many local companies which was great. Then came the hardest part – sifting through hundreds of pictures to choose the candidates for the calendar.

“There were so many good ones we could probably bring out a calendar for the next 20 years.”

The businesses which have sponsored the calendar are Delish, Barrow Spa Therapy, Wardgroup, Stollers, Tesco Extra Barrow, Sharples estate agents, Guy McCullough Building Services, The King’s Arms, Dandy’s and the Evening Mail, with another local firm – Finger Prints – handling design and printing.

“We are very grateful to all the sponsors and the printers have done a brilliant job,” added Matt.

“They look great and we’ve sold loads already – both locally and to Jo’s friends all over the UK and as far as the US and Australia.”

Jo’s Appeal has already raised around £15,000, with funds coming in from various sources, including a £1,000 donation from the Lake District Farmers Charitable Fund and £5,835 amassed from a Barrow Amateur Boxing Club charity bout and auction night.

Barrow Raiders star Liam Harrison is planning to raise money for Jo’s Appeal during his testimonial year, which began last weekend with a sell-out sportsman’s dinner, and the Barrow Celtic under-14s A and B sides of 1984-5 are taking part in a charity football match next month.

Many other events planned for next year are featured in the Live Like Jo calendar.

Matt added: “It is going really well. It’s testament to the great life Jo enjoyed, how popular she was as a person, and also to the generosity of the people of south Cumbria who have really rallied round and supported the cause.

“It is really helping me and Jo’s family and friends to ensure her legacy lives on. We know Jo will be proud of what we are all doing and it’s keeping her spirit alive.”