The family of Sam Gardiner, a popular contestant from BBC One’s Race Across The World, have spoken of their deep gratitude for the outpouring of kindness and generosity shown to them since his untimely death. Sam, who was just 24 years old, died last month following a car accident, leading to an overwhelming response from both the public and the show’s loyal viewers.
Gardiner captured the hearts of audiences in the programme’s second series, travelling across Mexico and Argentina with his mother, Jo. Their journey resonated with many, particularly as Sam’s story included his experiences living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition he was diagnosed with following his adoption.
Since the news of Sam’s death, the family have been inundated with messages of support from around the world. In a heartfelt statement, Jo Gardiner expressed her thanks to everyone who had reached out. She acknowledged the tens of thousands of messages and the solidarity shown by fans, the BBC, and fellow contestants. Jo described the support as a huge comfort during such a difficult period, particularly knowing that Sam’s story had inspired and helped many others living with FASD.
A fundraising campaign in Sam’s memory has already raised over £10,000 for the National Organisation for FASD, a charity instrumental in supporting families affected by the condition. The campaign was set up by Sam’s father, Andrew Gardiner, who initially hoped to gather a few hundred pounds from close friends. The response quickly surpassed all expectations, drawing donations from the “RATW family” and the general public alike.
The JustGiving page, titled “Sam Gardiner; Super Human,” reflects the admiration and affection so many felt for him. Andrew spoke about the overwhelming response, noting that it had been both humbling and uplifting to see so many contributing to a cause that influenced Sam’s life so profoundly. He suggested that if any good could be taken from such a tragedy, it would be a greater public understanding of FASD.
Details provided by the family reveal the circumstances of the accident, which occurred on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on 26 May. Sam was driving when his vehicle left the road and overturned, resulting in critical injuries from which he did not recover. He sadly died three days later, on 29 May. The family have requested privacy as they prepare for a private funeral to be held later this month.
The National Organisation for FASD, which will benefit from the fundraising efforts, works to support individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families and local communities. According to their website, FASD arises from prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting each individual differently and often requiring lifelong support. The charity emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and tailored assistance for those living with the condition, echoing the challenges Sam and his family faced during his life.
A message on National FASD’s social media paid tribute to Sam, highlighting his zest for life and adventurous spirit, which were showcased during his time on Race Across The World. The organisation expressed its honour to help continue Sam’s legacy by supporting others via the donations made in his name.
As the Gardiner family navigates their loss, the remarkable response—from donations to kind words—demonstrates the far-reaching impact Sam had on all who followed his story. There is hope that his memory and the attention brought to FASD will help others in the future, making a difference even in the wake of heartbreaking loss.