Jo Hancock - she will be greatly missed

What a loss to the planet, to endless pub conversations, to the yoga clothing industry and to all of us.

I was never sure how someone so small, could have so much energy.

So a last toast to someone who challenged her fears head on, and lived for the day.

Richard

Thank you so much for bringing Jo to our party last weekend Daph.

I feel so very privileged to have been lucky enough to have met her, to have spent time chatting and giggling with her, enjoying her company and getting a glimpse of a wonderful woman. She patiently helped me craft a fine 'good luck' banner for the Kingsnorth 6, which we sat for what seemed like ages making together on Saturday night, and it will be treasured more than ever now.

I am very very sad and sorry that I won't ever have that privilege again, but also very grateful to have met her, in what turned out to be the last week of her life.

Sending lots of heartfelt sympathy to her friends and family.

Cheers Jo X

Jo was my climbing partner, my ship-mate, my counter-balance and my friend.

We met in March on the Arctic Sunrise - thrown together in a Greenpeace action - we trained, climbed, explored, cooked, painted, laughed, cried and even made curtains! Jo climbed ships, cranes, towers, pylons and anything else she could.

I can't believe you've gone Jo, I'll never forget you. And if I ever go back to the Knock John Tower I know that a part of you will be there watching the sunrise over the North Sea.

xxx

Jo.......How can we come to terms knowing that
the sparkle which you gave us has been so cruelly
taken away?

You fizzed like a firework waiting to go off and amaze us
with your talent.

Your were an inspiration to us all.

You shone like a bright star, a precious gem that will live in our hearts always.

Bob @ Greenpeace

Can I ask that any details of Jo's funeral arrangements could be posted here so that people who wish to attend can come.

I'm so sorry to hear that Jo has died. When I saw her last week she was - as always - full of enthusiasm and positive energy, and was really excited about the prospect of visiting her sister Jenny in New Zealand.
Jo was a lovely person and always a pleasure to be around. I'm sorry I didn't see her more often.

My heart goes out to her family and loved ones.

Lara x

I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s such a bummer as I feel like there’s still so much of you to get to know.

Thanks for helping me so much by making climbing training easier – for always being on time, for encouraging others, for being the first in line to try anything new. And thanks for sharing your dreams with me in the pub after the last training.

I’ll never forget your cheeky smile, or the difficulties in getting you OFF the ship once you were on, or your lovely flower tattoo, or your email name – ordinary Jo – which was so clearly a lie.

I know you'll be either hovering around us on little angel wings, injecting a little Jo-juice when we get weary, or clammering to be sent back here for another round...

Wherever & whatever you choose next, it’ll be brilliant and I hope I’m around to see it.

Cat x

For those of you who are coming to Jo's funeral to celebrate her life, shared transportation is being arranged. We are awaiting confirmation of a Kings Ferry Coach - which offers carbon offset - to collect Jo's many friends from her home in north London to go to Epping forest, and later back to London. Please contact Jo's sister Jenny (details above) or / text Clover on 07957 593 611, to let me know if you are attending, so an appropriate sized coach can be booked preferably by Tuesday September 16.

Thank you,

*Clover

They must be really desperate or selfish up there, that they seem to demand all our best people..

I'll miss you, Jo. By God, I will.

Ciao!
Elwin.

Dear Jo,
It seems impossible that someone always so alive and passionate can be gone.
I just saw you a few weeks ago at the Vyner Street festival, and you were so excited about your plans to use your climbing training to become a rigger.
I haven't seen you very frequently over the past couple of years, though we bumped into each other every now and again, and you were always supportive of my projects. You came along to be a rioter for the "Riot Pilot" show I did in Hackney a couple of years ago (no request too strange for you!), and you were going to come to my exhibition this weekend.
It was a privilege to know you. I'll miss you.
Will definitely be there on Friday.
Lots of love,
Michelle

What terrible news. Jo was my cousin Nadine's daughter. I remember a bright, sparky girl with so much common sense and goodness. God bless you Jo, and keep you safe. Love to Nadine,Alan, Jenny and Gavin. From Carol, Stephen, Kevin, Michael, Debbie, Stephen and Susan.

I didn't know Jo very well, but having recently lost someone close, I can only imagine the gulf there appears in her close friends and family's lives, with the loss of someone so full of energy, determination and clean spirit. It is no comfort to say Jo will be sorely missed, only that people like her remain in our hearts and strengthen our spirits when we face challenges. Condolences to all who knew her well and who have lost a part of their lives.

Hi,
My name is Gavin i'm Jo's brother. Thankyou so much for all your kind comments. In memory of Jo I have created a FLICKR account (found at www.flickr.com) where anyone can put up pictures of Jo or anything that she was involved in. I have created the account so that everyone can use it.
The details are:
Username: ordinaryjo@yahoo.com
Password: climbing

Everyone is welcome to put what they like on the page, hopefully we can create something that is worthy of her energy and vitality.

Love Gavin

love you Jo.
forever.
and miss you so.
x
thanks

I met Jo for the first time in Dublin in December lastyear when she arrived in Dublin to do a direct action on the Spire, on O’Connell street.

She called me when she arrived and I knew straight away we get on well. On the morning on the direct action Jo was buzzing with excitement, Frank attached a weather balloon filled with Helium and we headed for the Spire and flew a banner up the monument. Later that day when we took everything down we saw all the TV news that we’d made and went for a pint of Guinness.

Later that day the Irish Government agreed with Greenpeace's demands to ban energy wasting light bubs.

here's Jo in action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHM4wTzbjzo

You made a difference Jo, we will never forget that.

Will St Leger

Hello to everyone who is still reading this blog.
I want to thank everyone who came to the Celebration of Jo’s Life on 19th September as well as those who could not.
I was very moved by your letters, cards and photos and grateful for them.
The weather was beautiful as is her bodies resting place.
I wish I had had time to speak to you all personally about your place in Jo’s life.
I have known some of you for a long time, many others I knew the names of, if not the faces, but you all had a strong enough connection with her to want to be there.
She would have been amazed and delighted – brought to tears knowing Jo – by your presence.
I hope all the loving energy we brought has helped her spirit rise into the light, fly on the astral plane and move into the Next World.
With many thanks from Nadine – her mum.

I only heard the sad news yesterday, and i still can't quite believe its true... Jo and Jenny were really great to me when i was in London. Unfortunatly Jo went travelling (being an adventurous type!), and by the time she came back, i had retreated back to the sticks.
Like many others, i wont forget her energy and dynamism, and i'm deeply saddened for Nadine (who i remember as clear as if i met her yesterday), and for Jenny and Andy (i'm at least glad to hear of your marriage and your new addition), and those who were close to her, whom i never met.
The celebration in epping forest looked really wonderful, i would have loved to have been there, to pay my respects. Sadly, i was abroad at the time, but it hurts that i couldn't join you all.
I am in London for the climate change march on Dec 6th (a reprise of last year's rainy effort!), and i dedicate that day to Jo. No doubt she would have approved of my participation. Mark XX

I had the pleasure of meeting Jo last year at the Landmark eco fair. I had just moved home after living in NZ for years and had a stall opposite her.

She was so friendly and helpful for the whole weekend, and I was really looking forward to catching up with her at Landmark and the Eco Design Fair this year.

Im so sorry to hear such sad news and want to offer my sympathy to her family and friends, I only knew her for a brief time but Jo certainly sparkled and her energy and passion was inspiring.

What a loss to the planet, to endless pub conversations, to the yoga clothing industry and to all of us. I was never sure how someone so small, could have so much energy. So a last toast to someone who challenged her fears head on, and lived for the day. Richard

Thank you so much for bringing Jo to our party last weekend Daph. I feel so very privileged to have been lucky enough to have met her, to have spent time chatting and giggling with her, enjoying her company and getting a glimpse of a wonderful woman. She patiently helped me craft a fine 'good luck' banner for the Kingsnorth 6, which we sat for what seemed like ages making together on Saturday night, and it will be treasured more than ever now. I am very very sad and sorry that I won't ever have that privilege again, but also very grateful to have met her, in what turned out to be the last week of her life. Sending lots of heartfelt sympathy to her friends and family. Cheers Jo X

Jo was my climbing partner, my ship-mate, my counter-balance and my friend. We met in March on the Arctic Sunrise - thrown together in a Greenpeace action - we trained, climbed, explored, cooked, painted, laughed, cried and even made curtains! Jo climbed ships, cranes, towers, pylons and anything else she could. I can't believe you've gone Jo, I'll never forget you. And if I ever go back to the Knock John Tower I know that a part of you will be there watching the sunrise over the North Sea. xxx

Jo.......How can we come to terms knowing that the sparkle which you gave us has been so cruelly taken away? You fizzed like a firework waiting to go off and amaze us with your talent. Your were an inspiration to us all. You shone like a bright star, a precious gem that will live in our hearts always. Bob @ Greenpeace

Can I ask that any details of Jo's funeral arrangements could be posted here so that people who wish to attend can come.

I'm so sorry to hear that Jo has died. When I saw her last week she was - as always - full of enthusiasm and positive energy, and was really excited about the prospect of visiting her sister Jenny in New Zealand. Jo was a lovely person and always a pleasure to be around. I'm sorry I didn't see her more often. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. Lara x

I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s such a bummer as I feel like there’s still so much of you to get to know. Thanks for helping me so much by making climbing training easier – for always being on time, for encouraging others, for being the first in line to try anything new. And thanks for sharing your dreams with me in the pub after the last training. I’ll never forget your cheeky smile, or the difficulties in getting you OFF the ship once you were on, or your lovely flower tattoo, or your email name – ordinary Jo – which was so clearly a lie. I know you'll be either hovering around us on little angel wings, injecting a little Jo-juice when we get weary, or clammering to be sent back here for another round... Wherever & whatever you choose next, it’ll be brilliant and I hope I’m around to see it. Cat x