Steven Hewitt, a much-loved stylist, passed away while abroad, leaving his friends and family devastated.
Steven Hewitt(Image: GoFundMe)
A Glasgow hairdresser has died on holiday, sparking a desperate plea from loved ones to help bring him home. Steven Hewitt, a much-loved stylist, passed away while abroad, leaving his friends and family heartbroken.
Steven, who owned Ven The Salon in Shawlands, has been described as “one of those rare souls who left a mark wherever he went” and was said to be a “famous and truly loved face” in the city where he is from.
Steven’s fiancé, Dean Rowland, 41 – the ex of The Only Way Is Essex star Harry Derbidge – confirmed the devastating news on Facebook today. His loved ones are now facing the huge cost of returning him home “where he belongs”, reports the Daily Record.
Sharing a smiling selfie of the pair, Dean wrote: “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.”
A fundraiser has been set up by Steven’s best pal Georgia McNulty to reunite him with the place “his heart truly was”. The GoFundMe has already raised £20,000 of its £22k target in just six hours.
Georgia wrote: “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 heartbreaking time. Thank you for helping us bring Steven home.”
Tributes have been made online, with one follower 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!”
A third penned: “I’m sooo sorry to hear about lovely Steven!! One of a kind!! My heart goes out to you all!”
Just days before Steven’s death, Dean reflected on a joyful year together, writing: “This year gave me memories I will never forget and people I am endlessly grateful for” and thanked Steven for being “my home wherever we are”.
The couple got engaged last year at the luxury Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, according to the Mail. In October, Dean revealed they were searching for the perfect wedding venue and finishing renovations on their home.
Last January, he shared emotional videos and pictures from the proposal, writing: “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 was previously engaged to Towie star Harry Derbidge, but the pair split in 2021 after four years together. During the pandemic, they had to put their adoption plans on hold and cancel their wedding twice.
Harry later said 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 spoke about the break-up, writing: “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.”