Tributes paid to 'selfless' Jo

Jo-anne Davies died yesterday surrounded by those close to her at her Barrow home, including her beloved husband Matt and their dog Meg.

The family of the 38-year-old Evening Mail journalist of 17 years said she remained positive and selfless throughout her illness and remained more concerned about those around her.

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Today, tributes have flooded in from family and those close to her, as well as people in the community she touched with her warmth and compassion.

Her husband Matt Davies, sport editor at the Evening Mail, said that she just wanted everyone to know that she enjoyed every single second of her life.

He said: “ As she said to me the other day, squeezing my hand and gleaming from ear to ear: ‘I've had a ball Matt.’

“We've been blown away by all the messages of support on Facebook, and via email and text, and by the knocks on the door from friends old and new, and the countless deliveries of cards, flowers and presents.

“Jo didn't want you to feel sorry for her, but she was genuinely touched by all your kind messages. Right up to the end she kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude.

“Typical Jo. Selfless. That's the way she lived her entire life. She made the world a brighter place and that's all there is to say, really. We're all going to miss her. It's a very sad day for all of us, but just remember that ‘she had a ball’ and that we've all had a ball in her company too. Keep smiling.”

Father Mark Edwards, formerly of St Francis' Church, Ormsgill, met Jo through her work but became a friend.

He said: “I am saddened and heartbroken to hear that Jo has passed away. My thought and prayers are with her family and her colleagues at the North-West Evening Mail. Jo was a lovely person; gentle kind and pure in spirit, her smile could light up a room with her infectious laugh.”

Jonathan Lee, managing director of CN Media Group (Barrow), which publishes the North-West Evening Mail, said: "Jo had a smile for everyone. She was one of the most kind, thoughtful people I know.

"She was an excellent journalist. Always professional, Jo had a passion for people, and for telling their amazing stories.

"It didn't matter if it was a major breaking news story, or a smaller community issue, Jo always gave each and every story 100 per cent.

"She was an avid supporter of local charities and organisations, and she tirelessly promoted healthy lifestyle activities such as the Keswick to Barrow Walk, and the Walney Run.

"We have lost a valued colleague, a great friend and a wonderful person who enriched all our lives.

"Our thoughts are with her wonderful husband Matt and all family and friends."

Joanne Holmes, the mum of teenager Harrison Holmes, who has cerebral palsy and several health problems, said she couldn’t thank Jo enough for all the work she did to help her son.

She said: “I’m honestly heartbroken. This angel saved Harrison's life. If it wasn't for Jo, Harrison would definitely not be here now. She persuaded her boss to take on the story of getting Harrison home. Words cannot describe how eternally grateful we all are to Jo Davies. They must have big plans for you up there, Jo, as you are an angel, no doubt about it.”

Over the 17 years working at the Evening Mail, Jo, who was most recently a features writer, covered hard-hitting news stories, but was equally at home as “Auntie Jo” on the 5-13 Club page and as the Newbarns community correspondent.

She also played a big part in several big Evening Mail community projects, including the establishment of the Walney Fun Run, attending many training sessions and completing the 5km course one year, even though she hated running as she was more of a fell walker.

Matt, her family and friends are planning to raise money for Jo’s chosen charities over the coming months and years - the FGH oncology unit, St Mary's Hospice and the Eve Appeal.

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“Jo you were too precious and too special for this world. We (our group of friends) are all heartbroken and devastated. But we are so proud and grateful that we can call Jo our friend and that we had her in our lives. We have amazing memories and we will never forget her.” – CAROLINE LONG-HOGGARTH, one of Jo-anne’s close friends from a tight-knit group of schoolfriends

“I worked very closely with Jo for a period of time when the police used to deal locally with the journalists. Such was her personality that we became friends through that. She was a journalist who was good at her job but always cared about people and their feelings so her dealings with people were always caring and sensitive. I haven’t seen her too much over the last few years working away from Barrow but whenever you met her she was the same happy smiling Jo as if you’d seen her last week. The comments about Jo and her wonderful family and friends say it all and it is obvious she has touched many people’s lives in so many ways. My sincere condolences go to Matt who is a great guy and has supported Jo through everything and Jo’s family who I know she was so close to. A lovely girl has been lost too early but I am sure her memory will live long.” – DCI DOUG MARSHALL

“What a sad day not only for Matt and their respective families but all at the Mail past and present along with the local community who Jo served so well. Jo was a Mail person through and through. She was excellent in whatever role she was assigned to and will always be remembered for that lovely smile she always had on her face. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. We will never forget Jo for her courage, strength and determination. Goodnight, God bless, Jo.” – PADDY McATEER, the Evening Mail’s amateur rugby league correspondent and former newspaper sales manager

“When I first took the role here as marketing manager Jo had just returned from her time out in Australia and over the course of the months and years it was Jo who guided me through press releases about births, or new arrivals, stories for the 5-13 Club – everything – often asking me questions that well and truly stumped me. Such a lovely lady who on every occasion I have spoken to or met her has had nothing but a smile on her face and such enthusiasm. My thoughts are with Jo’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.” – KAREN BREWER, marketing and development manager of South Lakes Safari Zoo

proud and honoured she filled my life with such happiness. (Former Chetwynde School headmistress) Mrs Stones always remembers Jo-anne for her excellent English homework. Mrs Stones would say ‘That’s what I love about your written work Jo-anne. Punchy first sentences’.” – JANE SMITH, Jo-anne’s great friend and part of a close group of schoolfriends

“Jo Davies was an inspirational lady who always wore a smile, even when she was desperately ill. She was a keen supporter of the RNLI and in particular our station here at Barrow, so much so that when our new lifeboat Grace Dixon was due to arrive in 2008, and we needed to invite a member of the press, Jo was the obvious choice, and being the intrepid lady she was, she jumped at the chance of going afloat. With Jo it didn’t matter whether you were a friend or a stranger, she was always kind, helpful and supportive to everyone she met. My lasting memories of Jo will be her cheery voice and laughter when we spoke on the phone, the courageous way she dealt with her illness particularly in recent times, and the phrase she often used ‘I’ve had a ball’. To her husband Matt and all of her family and friends we, at the RNLI’s Barrow lifeboat station, send our most sincere condolences.” – JOHN FALVEY, Barrow RNLI Lifeboat spokesman

“It was always a great pleasure to work with Jo. She was always a great friend to our community project and she will be sorely missed by all of us here.” – GRAHAM BROMLEY and STEVE ROBSON from Barrow’s Green Heart Den committee

“It was always great to work with Jo. Her smile always lifted your spirits and she was a good friend to the Love Barrow Awards. ‘We will all miss her’.” – PC JOHN IRVING, speaking on behalf of the Love Barrow committee

“Jo was a lovely lady, caring, intelligent and sincere. She was extremely supportive of the two charities I work with and personally very encouraging. I will miss her and our thoughts at the Furness Abbey Fellowship and Dystonia Society are with her family. God bless.” – GILL JEPSON