Mum's tribute to young Chesterfield man who took his own life after unveiling 'beautiful' headstone

Shaun Gibbs, who was described as ‘the nicest, kindest person there ever was’, tragically took his own life in June 2019 after a battle with depression.

On his death, aged just 29, Shaun gave the ultimate gift by donating his organs so others could live.

His heart still beats in the body of a 40-year-old woman, while his kidneys were given to men who had been on the organ donor register for years.

Shaun’s mum, Glynis Millward, launched a fundraising campaign this summer to pay for a new headstone to mark his resting place.

And thanks to the support of people both in the Chesterfield area and across the country, a headstone has now been put in place at Staveley Cemetery following a ceremony on Thursday, December 3.

MORE: 'They have kept me young at heart': Well-known Chesterfield headteacher thanks children as he says farewell to classroom

Glynis said: “I cannot believe my son will have a beautiful headstone with kerbset in place in time for Christmas.

"But the help of good people, especially in hard times, made this possible.”

Among those who helped raise enough money for the £2,800 headstone were Glynis and Shaun’s family and friends, including friend Tracy Hepworth, who lives in Castleford, West Yorkshire, and raised £1,400 through a Facebook campaign on the family’s behalf.

Glynis was determined to raise enough money for the headstone so Shaun’s two children ‘knew where their daddy was buried’ and so his family and friends could pay their respects.

On Shaun’s death, Glynis fulfilled her son’s wishes by donating his organs so others could live.

Earlier this year, Shaun was posthumously awarded The Order of St John UK Award for Organ Donation.

'I am proud that he felt the need to donate and he has saved lives, but we all love and miss him so much,” Glynis said.

She says Shaun was ‘crying out for help’ in the months before his tragic death but was ‘failed’ by mental health services.

“If telling Shaun’s story prevents just one person from taking their own life it will have been worth it,” Glynis added.

Whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has done to you, please remember that you are not alone and help is at hand. You can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.