Scott Hastings Pays Tribute to Late Wife Jenny Hastings on World Mental Health Day

Scott Hastings, a prominent former Scotland rugby international, has paid tribute to his wife, Jenny Hastings, who recently passed away. She faced prolonged mental health challenges with “amazing courage and humility,” according to Hastings. He made these heartfelt remarks as part of World Mental Health Day observances, describing her as “the most beautiful and loving human being.”

Jenny Hastings was reported missing on September 3rd while wild swimming at Wardie Bay in the Firth of Forth, near Edinburgh. Her body was later discovered five miles from where she was last seen. She was 60 years old. Hastings expressed gratitude to the emergency services, including Police Scotland, RNLI, and HM Coastguard, for their tireless work in locating his wife. “Their communication and support allowed us to cope at such a devastating time in our lives,” he stated.

In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Hastings shared his grief and appreciation for the support received during this difficult period. He encouraged people to paint a rock in memory of his wife and place it in a special location to honor her and brighten someone else’s day. Hastings noted that Jenny often put others ahead of herself, even at the expense of her own health, and asked people to continue her acts of kindness.

Jenny had a history of mental health difficulties, including post-natal depression, anorexia, and bulimia. Swimming in cold water had often served as a sanctuary for her. Unfortunately, despite interventions by healthcare professionals shortly before her disappearance, she took her own life.

Scott Hastings recalled the discovery of her body on their wedding anniversary, which he described as an unreal and bittersweet experience. “I was kind of resigned to her not returning. When I got the call, it was the most unbelievable thing,” he explained.

Hastings emphasized the importance of conversations around mental health and encouraged others to engage with nature and physical exercise as therapeutic outlets. He shared that mindfulness had been a crucial tool in coping with his grief.

Remembering her love for helping others, Hastings asked the public to share their love, time, and energy in Jenny’s memory. “We know she would have loved that,” he said. The couple had been ambassadors for Change Mental Health, a mental health charity in Scotland.

For those in need of support, he directed them to the Samaritans and other mental health resources available for those struggling.