**Fundraiser in Memory of BBC’s Sam Gardiner Surpasses £10,000, Raising Awareness for FASD**
A fundraising campaign dedicated to the memory of Sam Gardiner, known for his appearance on the BBC One travel competition ‘Race Across The World’, has reached a remarkable milestone of £10,000 in donations. Sam, aged 24, tragically lost his life following a car accident last month, having gained nationwide affection for his courage and warmth on television.
Gardiner starred in the televised race with his mother, Jo, capturing the hearts of viewers as they navigated arduous journeys across Latin America during the show’s second series. In the wake of his sudden passing, his family has channelled their grief into a charitable mission, setting up a JustGiving page to benefit the National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), a cause close to Sam’s story.
The response has demonstrated a groundswell of support from both fans and the broader public. Sam’s mother, Jo, spoke movingly about the comfort the family has found in the flood of condolence messages: “We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support… It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people.” She expressed that, of the messages received, many highlighted Sam’s inspirational influence, particularly among those impacted by FASD.
Sam himself lived with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. As his adoptive parents, Jo and Andrew Gardiner worked to raise awareness and understanding around FASD, sharing their journey with the viewing public. Jo noted, “National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.”
The tragic accident occurred near Cheadle, on the A34 in Gatley, on May 26th. Sam’s white Volkswagen Golf R reportedly rolled over and landed on its side. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries three days later. News of his untimely death garnered tributes from across the UK, both from those who watched his television journey and others touched by his openness about FASD.
In response to the intense public interest and requests to honour Sam, his father, Andrew, initiated the JustGiving campaign, initially setting a modest target. “After some thought, I decided to set up a JustGiving page to raise money for National FASD in memory of Sam. The page is called ‘Sam Gardiner; Super Human’. I set the target at £500 thinking a few friends might be generous enough to donate. So far it’s raised 20 times that. It’s very humbling to see the RATW family rally to this worthy cause,” Andrew shared.
The National Organisation for FASD offers vital support to people living with the disorder, educates families and communities, and campaigns for greater public awareness and new approaches to care and policy. The organisation’s website describes FASD as a spectrum, with each individual affected differently and stresses the importance of early diagnosis and personalised support.
Posting a tribute to Sam on their official Instagram, National FASD wrote: “Sam lived his life full of love, exuberance, and adventure as seen on BBC’s Race Across The World… National FASD is both humbled and honoured to help carry on his legacy via donations coming from hundreds.” The funds raised will support ongoing efforts to spread knowledge and improve support for those affected by FASD in the UK.
A private funeral will be held for Sam later in the month, allowing his loved ones the space to grieve and celebrate the vibrant life he led. The enduring public response to Sam Gardiner’s story continues to shine a light on FASD, encouraging conversations and compassion around a frequently misunderstood condition—an outcome his family hope will prove a lasting legacy.