The wife of former Scottish rugby international Scott Hastings has been missing since Tuesday, when she went swimming in the Firth of Forth, the Hastings family has confirmed.
Jenny Hastings failed to return after going for a swim in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it received a “report of concern” at about 2.45pm, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search. However the agency said the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening.
In a statement, The Hastings family said they are “absolutely heartbroken” at the news, adding that Mrs Hastings had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”. The statement said: “It’s with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday September 3 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.
“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.
“Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media, and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.”
“For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.
“We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.
“We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”
The statement is signed “Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian”.
Jenny Hastings' Mental Health Struggles
Jenny Hastings has been open about her mental health struggles in the media, advocating for ending the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging those struggling to seek help. She has campaigned to end the stigma and encourage those suffering with poor mental health to take active steps to improve their wellbeing. In 2017, she spearheaded the 100 Streets Challenge in support of Support in Mind, with husband and rugby star Scott Hastings. The aim was for people to walk, jog, or cycle 100 streets, to encourage outdoor activity.
“I know I can talk with people and maybe that’s one of the messages we are trying to get out,” Ms Hastings said about the challenge. “We all can talk with people. The stigma is definitely breaking down - even the Royals are talking about mental health.”
A Long History of Mental Health Struggles
Jenny Hastings' struggles with mental health have been a recurring theme in her life. In the past, she has spoken about her mental health challenges in interviews. She and Mr Hastings have also previously spearheaded a charity campaign to keep people active and improve their mental wellbeing.
Jenny Hastings has told of previously disappearing from her Edinburgh home for 36 hours while she was suffering from depression. Seven years ago, she and Scott Hastings told the BBC: “I just had to get away from everyone. I felt I was in everybody’s way and I needed to have some time away myself without telling anyone. I didn’t want to be in contact with anyone.”
She became frightened because she had no way to contact anyone, having left her phone at home, eventually getting help by going to a police station. Mr Hastings told the broadcaster: “The way she gets out of the low periods within her life is actually to get out and get fresh air.”
In a statement, the Hastings family said they were “absolutely heartbroken” at the news, adding that Jenny had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”.
The statement said: “It’s with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday September 3 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.
“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.
“Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.”
“For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.
“We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.
“We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”
The statement is signed “Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian”.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. You are not alone. Here are some resources that can provide support:
- Samaritans: Freephone 116 123 (UK) or visit www.samaritans.org
- The Calm Zone: https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support (UK)
- International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/
Remember, there is always hope, and help is available. Please reach out and talk to someone.
