Family of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner ‘overwhelmed' by support
The 24-year-old, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mother Jo, died following a car crash last month.
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.
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.
'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.
pic.twitter.com/WfBd8T2suh
— Race Across The World (@RATW_official) June 1, 2025
'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 Monday May 26 and he died on May 29 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 father Andrew said: 'When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help.
A post shared by NationalFASD (@nationalfasd)
'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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
44 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Billie Piper let slip HUGE hint about her Doctor Who return weeks before it hit screens - amid claims she and David Tennant could reunite after that huge finale reveal
Billie Piper let slip a huge hint about her Doctor Who return weeks before it hit screens as she spoke in the Doctor Who: Unleashed special this weekend. On Saturday BBC Three aired a Doctor Who documentary celebrating 20 years since it was revived, with ex-cast members including David Tennant and Billie reminiscing on the series. The special was recorded before it was revealed that she will make a surprise return to the show after Ncuti Gatwa 's shock exit. The 42-year-old actress will be replacing the high-profile actor after he bowed out of the BBC drama in last week's finale. The announcement put an end to speculation that he would not return as the Doctor. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Billie let slip what was to come in the special when she was asked whether she would ever return to the series. She said during an interview: 'Yeah I would… I would come back. What's funny is that I never feel like I've left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife, which is, you know… 'Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it's a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there's always features. 'And it's always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it's over, like it does with all the other jobs I've done.' She then accidentally added: 'So coming back is really good fun, but I also… And so I would do it, but I still feel like I'm in it. Just a lot older.' It comes amid claims Billie is set to reunite with her co-star David Tennant as she makes a surprise return to the show. Billie first starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord. She will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor. Billie let slip what was to come in the special when she was asked whether she would ever return to the series It was confirmed last Saturday when he surprisingly regenerated into at the end of the series finale. And a source has since told told The Sun of her potential reunion with David: 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who. 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.' Ncuti appeared to blame the physical and mental demands of the show for his exit in a new video following fan speculation he was axed from the show. Ncuti explained: 'It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.' The BBC previously denied claims that Ncuti had been axed from his role just days ahead of the finale. Ncuti appeared to blame the physical and mental demands of the show for his exit in a new video following fan speculation he was axed from the show 'Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction,' a spokesperson for the BBC said. The finale also saw Jodie Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Ncuti's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Doctor Who was watched by around 2.5million last Saturday - around 2million fewer people than the numbers watching when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was on the show until 2022. But this is still a tiny fraction of the sort of interest it used to attract. At its peak it was watched by around 13million on a Saturday night in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Welsh seaside town with cobbled streets and an ancient pub features in Death Valley
Welsh seaside town with cobbled streets and an ancient pub features in Death Valley Viewers of the show may have spotted this Vale of Glamorgan seaside town within the first few seconds of Death Valley's recent episode when a car drove through its streets as it headed to the church for a wedding Llantwit Major became the fictional town of Cwmishel in the latest episode of BBC's Death Valley (Image: BBC ) Llantwit Major has been transformed into the fictional town of Cwmishel for the third episode of Death Valley. Viewers of the show may have spotted the Vale of Glamorgan seaside town within the first few seconds of the latest episode as a car drove through its streets as it headed to the church for a wedding. In this week's episode, which aired on BBC One on Sunday, June 8, Janie (played by Gwyneth Keyworth) was tasked with solving the murder of best man Gethin Bennion the night before the wedding. Gethin's body was found in the graveyard of the church, which some may have spotted as the grounds of St Illtud's Church. And a bit later fans got to see inside the beautiful church. Some may say it is this church that put Llantwit Major on the map. Around the fifth century St Illtud established the oldest seat of Christian learning in Britain. Now the place is a charming little town with its cobbled streets, quaint shops, and eateries and is only a stone's throw away from the seaside. Article continues below Known in Welsh as Llanilltud Fawr this town is about a 40-minute drive from the Welsh capital and about a 25-minute drive from Barry. Its nearby Cwm Colhuw Beach (or Llantwit Major Beach) is the perfect place to go surfing or for a coastal walk. For a decent walk in the area start your journey at the beach car park before embarking on the path that offers spectacular views of the Bristol Channel, 12th-century castle, limestone crags, cliffs and caves hollowed out by the sea, before reaching the Nash Point Lighthouse. Janie (played by Gwyneth Keyworth) was tasked with solving the murder of best man Gethin Bennion the night before the wedding (Image: BBC ) This was in service for two centuries before it was one of the UK's last manned lighthouses to switch to an automatic operation. This walk, which is great to spot fossils, is also a circular walk and can take you back to Cwm Colhuw Beach. And after that walk you might be fancying a sit-down meal and there are plenty of options in this corner of Vale of Glamorgan. Rosedew Farm's Acorn Café is a popular venue. Tucked away on a farm this café is known for serving mouth-watering roast dinners. For the latest restaurant news and reviews sign up to our food and drink newsletter here. Diners can opt for roasted topside of beef, pork shoulder, turkey crown, lamb, or butternut squash, lentil, and almond Wellington with a selection of veggies, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, roast parsnips, and stuffing for a decent price. The view near Nash Point Lighthouse (Image: Lewis Smith ) And on the colder days you can enjoy its cosy log-burning stove, a selection of homemade cakes, and a hot drink making it the perfect pit stop following your coastal walk. In 2016 the town's beloved pub The Old Swan Inn underwent a drastic £40,000 makeover. The 12th-century pub is now home to a dedicated restaurant area so you can enjoy a hearty pub meal with your pint. The inn serves dishes such as a slow-cooked pork belly, vegan curry, and the classics including fish and chips and steaks making it the perfect spot that caters for anyone's appetite. Other places to dine or drink include The Old White Hart – the 18th-century pub on the aptly-named Wine Street – while its sister pub Tudor Tavern, just around the corner in Church Street, is just as old. If Italian and Mediterranean dishes are what you're looking for head over to Porto Due nestled in Pound Field. And for your cosy cafés you have Bakehouse in Commercial Street, Café Velo in Church Street, and The Cwtch Restaurant in East Street. And Llantwit Major would not be the town we know it as today without its array of shops. The Old Swan Inn, a 12th century pub in Llantwit Major For all things vintage, whether that be furniture, fashion, fabric, or even teddy bears and doll houses, Pretty Vintage Things is the ideal place for a touch of nostalgia. To find the perfect gift for a special someone Stwff-Stuff is the place to go, especially if you are looking for a Welsh gift. They have soaps, chocolates, jams and preserves, candles, vases, keyrings, ceramic tokes and much more and all were crafted here in Wales. Rio Fashions is the place to try on and buy female fashion and accessories from dresses to fascinators, hats, scarves, jackets, and cardigans. To grab your next book Nickleby's Bookstore in Pound Field has all kinds of new and second-hand literary choices. Article continues below And Church Street Bakery, as spotted on Death Valley, stands out with its green sign. Head over here for their brownies, sausage rolls, lemon drizzle cake, or any bake your heart desires.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
How many episodes are in The Gold series 2?
How many episodes are in The Gold series 2? The Gold season 2 returns to the BBC The second series of The Gold is set to grace our screens tonight (June 8), marking the comeback of the factual drama that first aired in 2023, reports the Express. The initial series chronicled the real-life heist at the 1983 Brink's-Mat depot near Heathrow Airport, where a staggering £26 million worth of gold bullion, diamonds and cash were taken. The Brink's-Mat robbery was the largest bank heist of its time, involving a colourful cast of characters in executing the crime. For those needing a refresher, the entire first series is available to binge-watch on BBC iPlayer now. Series two follows the police investigation into recovering the stolen loot after it emerged that only half was retrieved and the rest seemed to disappear into thin air. Hugh Bonneville as Brian Boyce in The Gold series 2 (Image: BBC ) Article continues below How many episodes are in The Gold series 2? The premiere of series two will also be broadcast this evening on BBC One at 9pm. The second episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, June 10 on BBC One at 9pm. The third episode will be shown on Sunday, June 15 on BBC One at 9pm. While the fourth episode will be aired on BBC One on June 16 at 9pm. The BBC has yet to announce the airing dates for the final two episodes. Tony Brightwell and Nicki Jennings return for The Gold series 2 (Image: BBC ) The new series sees the return of many cast members, including Hugh Bonneville as detective Brian Boyce, Charlotte Spencer as police officer Nicki Jennings, Emun Elliott as policeman Tony Brightwell, Tom Cullen as John Palmer, Stefanie Martini as John's wife Marnie Palmer and Sam Spruell as Charlie Miller. Returning cast members to the drama include Peter Davison as Assistant Commissioner Gordon Stewart, Amanda Drew as CS Cath McClean, Silas Carson as Harry Bowman and James Nelson-Joyce as Brian Reader. Joining the ensemble are newcomers Tom Hughes, Stephen Campbell Moore, Joshua McGuire, Joshua Samuels and Tamsin Topolski. While The Gold is rooted in real events, certain aspects and characters have been adapted for dramatic effect in the BBC series. Series creator Neil Forsyth shared his thoughts on the new instalments: "The second and final part of The Gold sees the story of the Brink's-Mat robbery, and everything that stemmed from it, become even more expansive, surprising and international. The Gold series 2 follows the second half of the stolen goods (Image: BBC ) "It has been a real thrill for me to see the scripts brought to life so brilliantly by our director Patrick Harkins, our fantastic cast, and our hard-working crews in the UK and Spain. "We are delighted with the results and look forward to the series launching later this year." Forsyth also gave insight into what viewers can expect from the upcoming season, noting that it will not only follow the trail of the remaining gold but also explore the "consequences" that befall various characters. Article continues below He further explained the decision to conclude the show after its second run: "I always saw The Gold as a two series show, following the two halves of the gold, so this will be the final series." The Gold season 2 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now
