Ricky Hatton’s family have pleaded with those suffering with mental health issues not to fight alone after the boxing legend died at his home in Hyde, Manchester, last month. Hatton, 46, received an outpouring of love at his recent funeral and his legacy will live on long after his passing, with his nearest and dearest determined to make a long-term impact.
An inquest into Hatton’s death was opened and adjourned on Thursday. Hatton was found hanged, the inquest heard, and it was understood that he took his own life before being found by his manager, Paul Speak.
Speak, who was at the 10-minute hearing at Stockport Coroner’s Court, found Hatton “unresponsive” when he arrived at his house to take the former boxing champion to Manchester Airport on September 14.
Now, Hatton’s family are urging those suffering with similar issues to speak out. They have set up a charity in Ricky’s name to help others.
The family told The Sun, via Speak: “The message we are trying to pass on is, you don’t need to fight alone. If you need help, seek help, and talk to someone if you’re struggling.”
He added: “Rick wasn’t afraid to talk about his problems. He made it safer for others to speak up and not be afraid to seek help. No one can go through life without problems of some sort.
“As people what we do is we bottle it up more often than not. The message we want to get across is you can speak to someone. We want to raise awareness so people know it’s OK to talk, no one needs to fight alone.”
The Ricky Hatton Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of mental health challenges, remove the stigma that prevents people from speaking up, educating and supporting through community programmes, outreach and practical sources, offer direct support through talking therapies and to be there in the corner of those struggling with mental health, so that they know they do not have to go through the fight alone.
At the time of writing, a JustGiving page has already raised £9,500 of its £100,000 target.
An Instagram post for the foundation added: “Ricky inspired millions with his courage, honesty, and heart. Away from the lights, he also spoke openly about his own battles — reminding us that even the toughest fighters can struggle.
“Through this foundation, we aim to turn that honesty into hope, helping others find the support they need when the fight feels hardest.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health support directory: https://hubofhope.co.uk/. You can call the Samaritans free at any time from any phone on 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day. You can also email jo@samaritans.org