LISTEN: Fiancée of murdered dad Nathan Gibson describes unbearable loss ahead of funeral

By Q Radio News

A heartbroken Co Armagh mum has paid tribute to her murdered fiancé who had a “heart of gold” as she prepares to lay him to rest. 

Joanna Black’s partner Nathan Gibson (25) was found fatally wounded near a tow path on Lake Road in Craigavon on January 16.

In an interview with Q Radio the 25-year-old has recalled the harrowing moment she learned her “soulmate” had been taken away from her. 

The couple, who've been engaged since 2014, had been busy planning their future together and were looking forward to celebrating their six-year-old son John’s next birthday. 

Joanna broke down and wept as she admitted struggling to come to terms with the unbearable loss.

"If he was sick, you know maybe we could accept it better - but to be so cruelly taken away," she said.  

The student nurse recalled falling in love with the boy with "a cheeky grin” nearly 10-years-ago when they first met close to where Nathan's body was discovered less than a fortnight ago. 

“The more we got to know each other the more I seen how selfless and loving he was to anyone in his life the more I just fell in love with him,” she explained. 

“That was us - we were inseparable ever since [we met].

“We always said we were soulmates.

The grieving mum also recalled the heart wrenching moment she had to tell her son what had happened. 

She started the conversation by reminding John who protects him whenever he’s afraid of the dark.

Last Tuesday night loved ones attended a special vigil at the spot where Nathan "fell asleep".

Friends helped her scrub away the blood before loved ones gathered to release balloons and Chinese lanterns into the night sky.   

In a moving tribute to his "amazing daddy" John let go of a heart shaped balloon and whispered "I love you" as he pointed to the brightest star. 

Joanna says she's been inspired by her son’s strength and is taking comfort from the knowledge "we'll never walk alone”. 

A funeral Mass for Nathan will take place in St Anthony’s Church at 11.30am on tomorrow. 

It comes after a crowdfunding campaign was launched to help the care worker cope with the unexpected financial burden. 

“I am completely overwhelmed by people’s warmth and generosity,” she added.  

Mourners have been urged to wear Liverpool themed clothing in celebration of the young man’s life. 

“In tribute to Nathan’s dislike of suits and love for Liverpool and obsession with Jurgen Klopp we ask everyone to wear something Liverpool or red (any red tribute, do not feel the need to buy a jersey),” Joanna posted on social media. 

Following the service Nathan will be laid to rest in the graveyard adjacent to Lylo Church next to his mother Gail who died following a cancer battle in 2015.

Later the family plan to celebrate Nathan’s life and have organised a series of fun activities for his “mini-me” John. 

It stems from Joanna’s desire to let love conquer evil. 

“We must not suffer the empty pain that Nathan was so cruelly taken but defy evil through uniting and finding warmth and joy that someone so special touched so many hearts, leaving cherished memories that can never be taken,” she said. 

“Nathan Gibson, the boy forever famous for his heart of gold.

“A broken family and a void left in the community. 

“Bravery isn’t not being afraid, it’s being afraid and jumping anyway, share kindness and love, show strength and courage and inspire those around you.” 

Nathan is also bereaved by his father Anthony, siblings Craig, Tariq, Cathy and Shantelle and the wider family circle.