Race Across The World star Sam Gardiner’s parents share heartfelt tribute after his tragic death aged 24 as they thank fans for their support

The parents of Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner have shared their devastation at his loss and thanked supportive fans, following his tragic death aged 24.

The reality TV contestant had been driving on the A34 in Gatley, near Manchester on Monday when his car suddenly left the road, rolling before it eventually landed on its side, according to Greater Manchester Police.

Sam, who featured in the BBC show’s second series in 2020 with his mum Jo, was the only person in the vehicle.

His mother and father, Jo and Andrew Gardiner, have now paid tribute to their late son and admitted they’ve been ‘overwhelmed’ by all the messages of support from fans.

Jo 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.’

The parents of Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner have shared their devastation at his loss and thanked supportive fans, following his tragic death aged 24 (seen with mum Jo)

The reality TV contestant had been driving on the A34 near Manchester on Monday when his car suddenly left the road, rolling before it eventually landed on its side

Sam, who featured in the BBC show’s second series in 2020 with his mum Jo (pictured) was the only person in the vehicle and his parents Jo and Andrew Gardiner have now paid tribute

The devastated parents have set up a Just Giving page to raise money in Sam’s memory for National FASD, a charity that supports those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – which Sam suffered from.

The charity worked to promote awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and is close to the family’s heart, as it helped Jo and Andrew understand how best to raise Sam.

Jo explained: ‘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 (FASD). 

‘We adopted Sam and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of Season 2 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.

Andrew added: ‘When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help. After some thought, I decided to set up a Just Giving 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 its raised 20 times that. It’s very humbling to see the RATW Family rally to this worthy cause’.

The devastated parents have set up a Just Giving page to raise money in Sam’s memory for National FASD, a charity that supports those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – which Sam suffered from 

National FASD took to their official social media to also pay tribute to Sam and say they were ‘honoured to help carry on his legacy’.

The charity penned: ‘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 the donations coming from hundreds of people’.

The family will be having a private funeral later this month and have asked for privacy at this heartbreaking time.

Jo and Andrew announced Sam’s tragic death this week with a heartfelt statement, saying: ‘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.

‘He did Race Across The World in 2019, which 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. 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.’

A spokesperson for the makers of Race Across The World said: ‘We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam.

‘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 featured in the BBC show’s second series in 2020 with his mum and his family paid tribute in a moving statement

During their time on Race Across The World, Sam and Jo failed to complete the challenge as they ran out of money

Sam has previously described appearing on Race Across The World as a ‘life-changing’ experience

During filming, Sam said: ‘Mum and I are very close – we often think or say the same things’

‘Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.

‘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.’

Sam had been working in Scotland as a landscape gardener but travelled down to Stockport, Greater Manchester to go to a family birthday, according to his uncle Jonny Gray.

During their time on Race Across The World, Sam and Jo aimed to get across South America quicker than their fellow contestants, with a strict budget and no mobile phone. 

The pair failed to complete the challenge as they ran out of money, but he described it as a ‘life-changing’ experience.

During filming, Sam said: ‘Mum and I are very close – we often think or say the same things.

‘She has travelled a lot in her life, so I think it would be fun to do it with her.’