Race Across The World star's heartbreaking wish before tragic death at 24

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Sam Gardiner appeared on the BBC show Race Across The World alongside his mother, Jo, in 2020, and during that time, he opened up about their relationship and his hopes for his future
Race Across The World star Sam Gardiner has tragically died at the age of 24 after he was involved in a car crash in Manchester last week, which his family have described as a 'terrible accident.' It comes just a few years after he appeared on the second series of the BBC adventure show with his mum, Jo, and during that time, he made a heartbreaking wish for his future.
Sam was 19 years old when he joined Race Across the World with his mum, which saw them embark on a seven-week journey from Mexico City's Chapultepec Castle to Ushuaia in Argentina. They reflected on their experience, noting how it had strengthened their bond.
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Sam described their venture as "life-changing", telling his mum: "How many 19-year-olds can say they've done this and travelled with their mum?".
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Jo replied: "I think just you, really. We've got long journeys, you're trying to balance it with enjoying yourself, but also have a budget, there's bound to be stresses. But I think our relationship is still in tact even if you find me slightly more irritating that you used to."
She added: "This has been really great fun." But before they started their memorable trip, Sam made an admission with a wish for his future. He shared: "To create some memories with my mum will be one of the best things. I'm so happy to be doing it with my mum."
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He added: "It's what I'll be able to live by and tell my kids when I go travelling with them." The clip was shared at the time in a Facebook post by BBC Two, which read: "This is so moving! The story of 19-year-old Sam, who's travelling with his mum Jo, is giving us all the feels."
News of Sam's passing was confirmed over the weekend, with his parents issuing a heartwrenching tribute. His devasted dad, Andrew Gardiner, wrote in a statement: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident.
"Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective."
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Noting that his son was genuine during his time on the BBC show, Andrew added: "Race Across The World opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead, and he touched everyone he met on the road.
"He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went.
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"He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we'll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade."
Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson said: "Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo.
"Sam threw himself into the seven-week trip with boundless enthusiasm, affection, and unwavering resolve, which led to him and his mum enjoying incredible adventures across Mexico and Argentina, captivating audiences with their unique bond and charm.
"Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends."