Friends of Jonathan Lovett are raising money to support his 7-year-old daughter who lost her dad on New Year’s Day 2026.

Johnny's story

Johnny was a beautiful dad, son, uncle, brother, friend and partner to Marianne. He was adored by so many.

He touched the lives of everyone he met through his infectious laughter and sheer joy. This was a man who didn’t just want to live life to the full, he wanted everybody to live their best life. Behind that gorgeous smile was a huge heart, and he brought so much good into this world.

Johnny, just 51, was taken from us far too early, typically aiming to do something to get the most out of life: cold-water swimming in the sea. What should have been a moment of renewal to welcome in a new year turned into tragedy because of the unpredictable conditions. He leaves behind his beautiful fiancé, Marianne, and his daughter.

A journalist and writer by trade, Johnny had recently returned to his hometown of Kettering after living much of his adult life in Crouch End, London. A passionate amateur thespian, he also demonstrated immense talent and creativity through his journalism as Arts Editor for the Enfield-based Gazette, Advertiser and Press series of newspapers. He supported a range of arts organisations, including the then fledgling Chicken Shed theatre in Barnet. He ran historical walks with Marianna telling the story of the Plague with the usual artistic majesty… and, of course, wit and humour. He took centre stage worldwide for two full seconds at the London Olympics opening ceremony for his role depicting a worker during the Industrial Revolution.

Such was the sheer creative energy of the man, he would often take centre stage in pubs and clubs of London, whether it was trying (unsuccessfully) to do a rendition of Riverdance, or (successfully with incredible accuracy) reciting every King and Queen of England from The Norman Conquest to the modern day.

Goodness resonated in everything Johnny did, whether through paid or voluntary work. As a local father of the chapel for the National Union of Journalists, he campaigned for better employment rights for local journalists. He befriended older people experiencing social isolation and championed homelessness charities. And as he moved away from journalism, it felt fitting that in his last role he brought his creativity and a big heart to Victim Support, telling the stories of victims of crime with incredible kindness, warmth and empathy.

Johnny was a devoted father and son who, together with his amazing fiancé, Marianne, did everything they could to create the very best life for their daughter. This fund, in loving memory of our wonderful friend, aims to help continue that work.

Johnny’s death leaves a gaping hole in the lives of so many, but it also leaves us with a lifetime of memories: laughter, joy, singing, terrible dancing… and the sheer positive energy of a man who sprinkled stardust on everyone he met.

We will miss you so much, our dear friend.