THE family of Race Across The World star Sam Gardiner say they are “overwhelmed” by support following his death as they paid tribute.
The 24-year-old, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mum Jo, died following a car crash last month.
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A JustGiving page launched in his memory by his family, in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), has so far raised more than £10,000.
It comes after Sam’s heartbreaking final social media post was revealed.
Mr Gardiner’s mum 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.
“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.
“We adopted Sam and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents.
“National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.”
Mr Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side.
The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on May 26 and he died three days later from his injuries, his family said last week.
Broadcast in March 2020, Sam and Jo ventured across Mexico and Argentina as part of the second series of the BBC show.
Mr Gardiner’s dad Andrew said: “When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help.
“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 says on its official website that it “provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, campaigns to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices”.
The website also describes FASD as resulting “when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body..”
It says: “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 message on the official National FASD Instagram account said: “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.”
A private funeral will be held later this month.
Race Across The World – Winners so far
Since launching in 2019, BBC travel competition series Race Across The World has had four series to date. Let’s take a look at back at the winners so far…
- Series one: Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World.
- Series two: Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show’s second outing.
- Series three: Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series.
- Series four: Alfie Watts and Owen Wood: Both aged 20, these friends bested four other pairs to win series four.
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