In Loving Memory
Kevin John Bagshaw
16th October 1955 – 6th July 2025
We are heartbroken to share that Kev Bagshaw, our beloved Chairperson and dear friend has passed away. His loss is deeply felt by all of us at Borderline Arts and by the countless lives he touched through his warmth, generosity, humour and tireless advocacy.
Kev had been with Borderline Arts since 2016 serving as Chair with passion, commitment and his signature wit. He arranged and chaired trustee meetings (often sweetened by his famous homemade scones and jam), supported countless workshops and brought his professional expertise as a DBT therapist to every corner of our organisation.
Kev’s absence leaves a silence we don't yet know how to fill. He was our chairperson, our friend and our source of strength and laughter. We are better for having known him and we carry his legacy forward in every step we take to support, educate and advocate for those affected by BPD.
We send our deepest love to Kev’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
Rest peacefully, Kev. You gave so much and we are endlessly grateful.
From: Sarah Eley
Kev Bagshaw was extraordinary, so giving, generous, thoughtful and funny. The amount of people he helped find hope in their darkest times is uncountable. As a therapist, he was compassionate and went the extra mile - no he went an extra 100 miles - for every single person he supported. As a colleague, he was hard working and passionate to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma of BPD and improve the treatment for it. As a friend, he was fun, caring and simply wonderful. It's too much to take in right now, but I just hope that his passing was quick and painless and that he is now resting peacefully. Miss you Kev.
From: Pauline Shephard
Kev. You are just one of those people it has been a privilege to know and honestly it will be hard to go on without you. I personally can’t take it in and don’t want to believe it. You have been a rock to so many and simply dedicated yourself and your life to helping and caring for others and so enjoying your relationships with friends and family. Fantastic humour, fantastic baking, fantastic sartorial style, just one amazing, selfless human being. Gone far, far too soon. Losing you is immeasurably sad and hard.
From: Ian
Kev and I first met in 1982, we'd just moved into our first brand spanking new homes on Leman Street in Derby, next door but one. We immediately had a common denominator of two wheels and an engine, he had top trumps Honda Goldwing v my Suzuki 425. Very quickly as I was now earning I'd updated to a BMW, trips out were frequent and enjoyable.
As couples Kev, Rose, Cindy and I had some great times, Kev the cook, Cindy the cook, equal in retrospect. We'd always enjoyed our music together and particularly comparing hi fi hardware, again Kev had top trumps. He introduced me to some great bands such as Camel and musicians such as Gordon Giltrap.
As he and Rosemary had to work weekends we occasionally took his lovely daughter Victoria to the park for extreme sledging (just managing to stop before the railings) whilst they looked after Derby's not so well.
Little did we realise we were soon to become very, very close friends. A lady in an Austin Allegro pulled out on Kev, he swerved and moved a skip, a few days later I jumped to Van Halen and severely tore my medial ligaments. We were both in plaster for what seemed like months.
We swapped and listened to loads of music ( recorders too in those days), compared hi fi components, drank beer, single malt but significantly talked and talked.
Kev never remounted (a motorcycle) but continued with his love of music and hi fi. Only a few years passed and I moved for my career, we continued to visit each other for many years. Midlife we both had crises, and I'd like to think we helped each other. Both of us married twice and divorced twice, however, we are still with our current loved ones (he is still with you Denise).
We used to camp, walk and occasionally meet up following my moving away but still kept in touch.
There is a lesson to learn here, last year I said to Sue we must go and see Kev and Denise next year, too late, so sorry Kev.
You are the KINDEST man I have ever met in my life and I'm honoured to call you a friend.
RIP, I hope they've got great music, a kitchen and motorbikes if there is somewhere to go.
Ian XXX
From: Megan Bartlett
Kev was my DBT therapist. He got me through what was probably the hardest time of my life. I am pretty sure that without Kev I would not have got through university, would not have found the strength to leave a very long term abusive relationship, may not have been well enough to have my kids returned to my care. I may not even still be here today to be honest.
Kev went above and beyond to help me. He attended court with me, visited me in hospital and was always on the end of a phone if he was able to be.
I remember little things like the fact that he would supply me with plenty of coffee - the decent stuff out of the special cupboard as he knew I was a coffee snob!!
I remember talking about my driving accident and why it might have occurred and at the exact same time we both concluded it was down to “a momentary lapse of reason” (Pink Floyd reference!)…..which Kev followed up with “but maybe don’t say that in court!!”
Kev was absolutely passionate about supporting people with BPD and reducing the stigma.
He was actually the Marsha Linehan of Derbyshire (but with a better sense of humour!)
Kev was not just my therapist but also remained a friend long after my therapy finished. Although I hadn’t seen him much in person in recent years we kept on touch on facebook.
I am extremely grateful that I did get to see him at the borderline art session recently, it was so good to chat with him and have a great big Kev hug. Never imagined that would be the last time I saw him
Rest easy Kev, you meant so much to me and you always will.
From: Daisy Cuffley
I was blessed to have Kev as my one-to-one DBT therapist for five years, and privileged to regard him as a friend for the last one.
As a therapist, he was one of a kind. I have never felt such gentle, genuine compassion and empathy from a medical professional. I have never felt so safe and taken seriously, or able to speak so freely, including using my own words and language (which is notoriously coarse!) and to have it met with such a great sense of humour.
After half a decade of work, I know that the trust we had both ways. We made each other laugh during dark, difficult times in both of our lives.
Kev gladly continued to be my safe space, even after our time as therapist/client came to an end due to his health.
Kev was a beautiful, special soul. My heart aches for his family, partner and grandchildren who he always spoke of fondly.
I will miss our chats about music and film, his camping tales, cooking recipes and our shared love of fermented foods.
Fly high, Kev you utter diamond! (and save some kimchi for me!)
From: Rosemary
You were a very special man. R.I.P Kevin
From: Pippa
Kev, you saved my life. What more can I say? You walked the walk and lived as an example of the good a human being can do in the world. The positive impact you had on so many lives will reverberate through generations to come. It was a privilege to know you as a therapist, role model and teacher. You believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves, seeing the potential in every human soul. Your mindfulness, humanity and compassion will forever live on in our hearts and in the Universe. Thank you, a million times over, for giving the gift of Wise Mind. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
