Fundraiser in memory of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner hits £10k to help others with syndrome

Wales Online

08-06-2025

Fundraiser in memory of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner hits £10k to help others with syndrome
Sam Gardiner, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mother Jo, died after a car crash last month
Sam, 24, died last month in a tragic car accident
(Image: PA Media )
The family of Sam Gardiner, a contestant on the BBC One series Race Across The World, has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, following his tragic death in a car accident last month. They have also thanked those who have donated to a fundraising campaign set up in his memory.
Sam, 24, competed on the show alongside his mother, Jo. In his honour, the family launched a JustGiving page benefiting National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), which has already raised over £10,000.
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In a heartfelt message, his mother said: "We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting.
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"We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people.
"I have been particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder."
Sam famously appeared on the BBC hit show alongside his mother, Jo
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As Sam's adoptive parents, they had faced the challenges of his FASD diagnosis together, and his mother added: "National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood."
The accident occurred when Mr Gardiner's white Volkswagen Golf R estate veered off the road, rolled, and landed on its side.
The tragic incident occurred on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday, May 26.
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He succumbed to his injuries three days later, as confirmed by his family last week.
In March 2020, Sam and Jo embarked on a journey across Mexico and Argentina for the second series of the BBC show. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Andrew Gardiner, Sam's father, shared: "When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help.
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"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 make a donation. So far it's raised 20 times that. It's very humbling to see the RATW family rally to this worthy cause."
The National Organisation for FASD, according to its official website, "provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, campaigns to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices".
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FASD, as described on the website, results "when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body. It further explains: "FASD is a spectrum. Each person with FASD is affected differently.
""While more than 400 conditions can co-occur, FASD is at its core a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. All people with FASD have many strengths.
Early diagnosis and appropriate support are essential, especially for executive functioning. " A post on the official National FASD Instagram account read: "Sam lived his life full of love, exuberance and adventure as seen on BBC's Race Across the World.
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⁠""National FASD is both humbled and honoured to help carry on his legacy via donations coming from hundreds. ".
A private funeral service is scheduled for later this month. Find out more about the fundraiser here