Steven Hewitt was described as “one of those rare souls who left a mark wherever he went”
Fionnuala Boyle and Laura Hill
09:18, 07 Jan 2026
A fundraiser has been launched to pay for the repatriation after hairdresser Steven Hewitt died while on holiday (Image: GoFundMe)
A beloved Scottish hairdresser has tragically passed away whilst on holiday, leading to a heartfelt appeal from his loved ones to help repatriate him. Steven Hewitt, a well-respected stylist from Glasgow, died abroad, leaving his friends and family devastated.
Steven, the proprietor of Ven The Salon in Shawlands, was hailed as “one of those rare souls who left a mark wherever he went” by pals who said he was recognised as a “famous and truly loved face” in the city where he was raised.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed today on Facebook by Steven’s fiancé, Dean Rowland, 41 – the former partner of The Only Way Is Essex star Harry Derbidge. His loved ones are now grappling with the substantial cost of bringing him back home “where he belongs”.
Posting a cheerful selfie of the couple, Dean penned: “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.”
In an effort to bring Steven back to the place “his heart truly was”, his best friend Georgia McNulty has launched a fundraiser. The GoFundMe campaign has already amassed an impressive £20,000 of its £22k goal in just six hours, reports the Daily Record.
Georgia shared: “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..
“As his family faces the unimaginable pain of loss, they are also carrying the heavy financial burden of bringing him home. Steven belongs on Scottish soil, laid to rest with the dignity, peace, and love he so freely gave in life.
“We are raising funds to support Steven’s family and to cover the costs of bringing him back to Scotland, so he can be laid to rest where his heart truly was – among his people, in the place he called home.
“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. No donation is too small.
“Every contribution, every share, and every kind word helps lighten the load for his family during this heart-breaking time. Thank you for helping us bring Steven home.”
Heartfelt messages flooded social media, with one supporter posting: “So sorry to Dean and all of Steven’s family. What a heartbreak for all of you,” whilst another wrote: “I’m so heartbroken for you… Just cannot believe it. He was a ray of sunshine!”.
A third commented: “I’m sooo sorry to hear about lovely Steven! ! One of a kind! ! My heart goes out to you all!”.
Just days prior to Steven’s tragic passing, Dean had looked back fondly on their wonderful year together, posting: “This year gave me memories I will never forget and people I am endlessly grateful for” and praised Steven for being “my home wherever we are”. The pair became engaged last year at the opulent Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, as reported by the Mail.
Come October, Dean disclosed they were hunting for an ideal wedding location whilst putting the finishing touches to renovations at their residence.
Last January, he posted heartfelt footage and photographs from the romantic moment, penning: “I said YES! Completely overwhelmed and filled with joy.
“Stephen surprised me with the most beautiful proposal, and I couldn’t be happier to start this next chapter with the love of my life. Here’s to forever and a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures together.”
Dean had previously been betrothed to Towie personality Harry Derbidge, though they parted ways in 2021 following a four-year romance. The pandemic forced them to postpone their adoption aspirations and call off their nuptials on two occasions.
Harry subsequently reflected on Towie: “To be with someone for four years… and for it to not work out, it has just been the most heartbreaking like awful thing I’ve had to go through.
“I gave so much to this relationship, I gave everything to it! To the point where I’d give so much… that it would actually cause an argument.”
Dean also addressed their separation, stating: “There are no secret nor salacious events at the root of decision – just two best friends realising it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives possible. I would trust him with anything and he still remains that important person in my life.”