Sam Gardiner's family have said they are "overwhelmed" by the support they have received since the star's tragic death. The 24-year-old, who appeared in the series alongside his mum Jo in 2020, in Manchester last month. He was driving on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, when his Volkswagen Golf R estate left the road and rolled before landing on its side. The accident happened on Monday, 26 May and Sam sadly died from his injuries three days later.

The late star's grieving family set up a JustGiving page in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) which has raised more than £10,000. His heartbroken mum expressed gratitude for the support shown by those around them, saying: "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."

Acknowledging the impact of her son's story, Jo continued: "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."

Meanwhile, Sam'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's official website says it "provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices". The website says FASD occurs "when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body".

Sam, a landscape gardener and Jo travelled across South America during the second series of the show, broadcast in 2020. They were forced to withdraw in the final leg of the race after running out of money, but the duo described the experience as "life-changing".

The official National FASD account paid tribute to Sam, writing: "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."

Sam's family will bid a final farewell to him at a private funeral later this month.