The friends and family of a popular Glasgow hairdresser are facing a devastating financial burden after he died suddenly while on holiday abroad with his fiancé.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
Steven Hewitt was on a trip with his partner, Dean Rowland, 41, when he passed away unexpectedly. The precise cause of his death and the country where the tragedy occurred have not been made public.
Dean, who is the former boyfriend of The Only Way Is Essex star Harry Derbidge, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media post. He shared a happy selfie of the couple, writing: "The world didn’t deserve you, the best of the best, you’ll forever be my one true love, I love you so much. I can’t believe I’ve got to go on without you."
Community Rallies to Bring Him Home
Steven was described as "one of those rare souls who left a mark wherever he went" and a "famous and truly loved face" in his home city. His loved ones are now confronted with the substantial cost of repatriating his body to Scotland.
In response, Steven's best friend, Georgia McNulty, established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the expenses. The fundraiser aims to bring Steven back "where he belongs" and to lay him to rest "on Scottish soil".
The appeal for support has seen an overwhelming response. According to the Daily Record, the page has already raised a staggering £30,000, surpassing its original £22,000 target within just hours of being set up.
Tributes Pour In for a 'Ray of Sunshine'
Georgia wrote on the fundraising page: "Steven's kindness, humour, and generosity of spirit touched countless hearts, and the love people have for him is deeply felt in the messages, memories, and grief being shared now."
She added: "If Steven ever made you smile, helped you through a hard moment, shared a laugh, a story, or a good time with you, this is a chance to give something back."
Online tributes have flooded in, with one person writing: "So sorry to Dean and all of Steven’s family. What a heartbreak for all of you." Another said: "I’m so heartbroken for you... Just cannot believe it. He was a ray of sunshine!"
The couple, who got engaged last year at the luxury Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, were recently planning their wedding and finishing renovations on their home. Just days before the tragedy, Dean had reflected on a joyful year, thanking Steven for being "my home wherever we are".
