'His life appeared to be wonderful... no family should have to go through this'

The heartbroken father of a "much loved" man who tragically took his own life last month, has vowed to do everything in his power to prevent another family from enduring the "hell" they have experienced.

The family of Jonny Gascoigne, 35, said his 'life appeared to be wonderful'. However, the dad-of-two started struggling with his mental health in the weeks before his death.

Tragically, just days before he ended his own life, he told his parents he planned to go to hospital for mental health support, but sadly, he never made it.

Kevin, his father, has since been vocal about his commitment to promoting awareness around men's mental health issues. He said: "We're doing everything we can to encourage people to talk about their struggles. We wouldn't want any other family to go through what we've been going through the past three weeks. It's been absolutely horrendous."

Jonny, who was a huge Sheffield United fan and had thousands of followers on his channel dedicated to the club, posted his final vlog on September 6, 2024, where he encouraged men grappling with their mental health to seek help, reports Yorkshire Live. His channel, the Shoreham View, had over 8,000 subscribers and more than 1.5 million views.

According to his father, Jonny "had been a Blades fan from birth". He said: "His life appeared to be wonderful," adding that Jonny had recently landed his dream job in the media team for a gym in Barnsley and was deeply in love with his girlfriend.

The football community was shaken in the days following Jonny's death, with fans from across the nation expressing their sorrow. Kevin says the family has since been astounded by the support from well-wishers, disclosing they've received over 1,000 messages of sympathy. Further support came through a GoFundMe campaign, launched by Jonny’s friend Nick Wylie.

The fundraiser quickly exceeded its £5,000 goal to assist with funeral costs, amassing over £8,256.

Kevin said: "We're so grateful for all of the support and the love that has been shown towards us. We're also eternally grateful for the money that has been raised because Jonny had no life insurance, and most importantly of all, we also now have to look after his two children."

The £500 donation that pushed the fundraiser beyond its target was provided by Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah. Kevin shared how the club has been a "huge support" following Jonny's passing, adding: "The support that we've had from football fans all over the country has been amazing, but Sheffield United have been absolutely magnificent. The club couldn't have done more for us in the past few weeks."

Sheffield United fans paid their respects to Jonny during the recent home game against Swansea City at Bramall Lane on October 2.

A poignant minute's applause resonated around the stadium in the 50th minute, as Jonny's image was displayed on the big screen. Kevin recalled: "The applause that night went all the way around the ground - even the Swansea fans at the other end, everyone joined in.

"The next day his son Bill was quite overwhelmed by it all. He couldn't go into school the next day because he'd expected it to just be our little corner that was applauding. He was absolutely amazed that everyone in the ground was up on their feet and applauding for his dad."

In a touching gesture, Sheffield United invited Billy, who shares his father's passion for football and the Blades, to be a mascot at the match against Luton Town on Saturday, October 5.

Kevin added: "It gave him a day away from everything and a chance to laugh and enjoy himself. He's football crazy just like his dad."

Kevin posted a video of Billy serving as a mascot on social media, captioning it: "Billy's big moment as he walks on with Michael Cooper - fist pumps the badge and waves to the kop to say thanks for the support we've all received. Thanks to Jon Helliwell, Sam Stones and Courtney for all you did to ease the pain of losing his dad."

The family is now collaborating closely with Andy's Man Club, a charity focused on preventing male suicide, which will benefit from the donation boxes at Jonny's funeral next week. The club provides free peer support groups across the country every Monday night.

When asked what advice he would give to anyone struggling with their mental health or experiencing similar issues to Jonny, Kevin said: "I would encourage them to talk about it. It's a man thing - maybe you don't want to show emotion, or want people to know that you have problems. But if you talk about them, then they become less of a problem.

"Jonny's final line in his very last video was 'the world is a better place with you in it, I promise you' - and that's why it's so ironic that he said that, and then he left us.

"We want to raise as much awareness of mental health as possible and if it saves one family from having to go through what we're going through then it will be worth it, because it's been the worst three weeks of our lives.~"

Jonny's funeral is set to take place on Saturday, October 19. The procession will commence from the family home, passing by the Sheffield United stadium on Bramall Lane, before a service at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium at 10.30am.

Blades fans have been invited by the family to bid farewell to Jonny and show their support. Attendees are encouraged to don red and white, in tribute to Jonny's favourite football team.

For more information about the GoFundMe page established to raise funds for Jonny's funeral and to make a donation, click here.