A NEW sporting award will honour the campaigning work of a much-loved former Mail journalist.

Features writer Jo Davies promoted the health benefits of women taking part in sport and physical activity for many years in the newspaper.

Jo, a keen swimmer, gym regular and hiker, fought a five-and-half-year battle with ovarian cancer before her death in August 2015, aged 38.

The former Chetwynde School pupil has been given a lasting legacy through Jo’s Appeal – a charity set up in her memory, which has raised more than £90,000 for good causes.

A lot of the fund-raising efforts in aid of the charity’s good causes – The Eve Appeal, Furness General Hospital oncology unit and St Mary’s Hospice – have centred around fitness challenges.

And now she will be honoured at the GMB Mail South Cumbria Sports Awards, with the Go for Jo prize being handed to a girl or woman in the area who has made an outstanding contribution to female sport or fitness either through participation, coaching, or as a volunteer.

The idea for the award came from Emma Broadbent, a friend of Jo’s who worked alongside her in many women’s health and fitness campaigns.

Emma, who is involved in the running of the awards, said: “Jo was such a big advocate for women taking part in physical activity. Jo had the ability to connect with people with ease. People wanted to share their story with her.

“She was such a compassionate, warm person as well as an excellent journalist. Jo was a much-loved supporter of community events and supported so many projects which promoted active lifestyles.”

Jo’s husband, Matt Davies, said: “I know Jo would be very pleased and proud that an award is going to be handed out in her memory.

“Jo loved to keep fit herself, and she also loved writing articles about women’s health and fitness – both praising those who took part in activities, and also giving other a nudge to others to get out there and get involved.

“Hopefully this award will inspire more women to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.”

To nominate someone for inaugural Go for Jo award, please email sport.em@cnmedia.co.uk outlining your reasons.