In memorium
Joanne (Jo Jo) Mary Harris
4th August 1982 – 10th April 2008
Joanne Harris born 4th August 1982 with Downs Syndrome, died on the 10th April 2008 aged just 25.
Joanne’s uncle Lee McCarthey was Craig’s best friend through their early stages of their school life, Craig and Lee kept in touch when Lee’s family moved to Shropshire in the late 1980’s. Craig was the best man at Lee’s wedding and is godfather to his children. Lee is Joanne Harris’s first cousin.
In the late 1990’s prior to appearing on television Craig pledged to assist Lee McCarthey and the Harris family to raise the £250,000 for Joanne to receive a life saving operation in the USA, organising fundraising events throughout the county of Shropshire. At the time those afflicted with Down’s in the UK were not considered eligible to be put on the organ donor list for operations.
In 2000 Jo won the hearts of millions when her plight was highlighted when Craig donated all his entire £70,000 Big Brother prize winnings to go towards Jo’s much needed heart and lung transplant.
Her plight prompted a Government minister to pledge that disabled people should not face discrimination if they needed a transplant and she was put on the NHS transplant waiting list.
In March 2008, Jo was admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and then to hospital in Birmingham with an infection complaint. Craig visited her in hospital and her family were by her side when she passed away on 10th April 2008.
Jo’s family and friends including Craig received many messages of condolence and heart warming comments about Jo’s life following her death including many who knew her well.
A spokesman for Radbrook College were Jo attended said: "We’re very sorry to hear that Joanne died and it does bring back memories of the very generous occasion when Craig Phillips was kind enough to donate the money for her care."It gave people a sense that there’s still compassion and caring in the world and it was a lovely thing to do."
Staff at The Priory School in Shrewsbury also spoke off their fond memories of Jo. Mary Massey, assistant head teacher at the school, said: "Jo is remembered with great affection by teaching and support staff at The Priory School."She enjoyed her time at school and believed in living life to the full, participating in many school activities.
Craig over the years built up a wonderful relationship with Jo and the Harris family when he moved with his family in the early 1990’s to Shropshire. His friendship blossomed with Jo and she often referred to Craig as her boyfriend, he was heartbroken at Jo’s passing.
At the time of her death Joanne’s parents Marion and Michael said she was a true ambassador for people with Down’s syndrome bringing so much joy to so many people and was someone who did so much to show that people with disabilities can lead very full lives.
Jo, who refused to let her Down’s syndrome get in the way of enjoying an ordinary life, lived life to the full. Despite her disability she attended mainstream schools and college, joined the Brownies, won medals for dancing and trained to be a hairdresser.
Jo’s service was attended by Jo’s family, Craig and many hundreds and was held at St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury on 23rd April 2008.
The Harris family have asked that anyone who wishes to make a donation in memory of Jo should please make this to the Abbotswood Day Centre at Monkmoor, where Joanne attended. Thank You.
R.I.P Joanne Harris
More images of Joanne can be found in the Big Brother gallery.
