In Loving Memory of Ricky Hatton

By Dave Lyons, Founder of Tackling Minds

I still can’t believe I’m writing this.

Today we lost not just a boxing legend, but a truly incredible human being. Ricky Hatton was more than a 4-time world champion. He was my friend, our ambassador, and a genuine light in the lives of so many people, including mine.

He might have been a warrior in the ring, but he had one of the gentlest, kindest hearts I’ve ever known. Through all of his own struggles, he always put others first. He supported me through some of my darkest days, without hesitation. That’s just who he was, there for people when they needed him most.

After boxing, Ricky often said that supporting mental health was his new job, and he meant it. He never shied away from talking openly about his own battles, and in doing so, he gave countless people the strength to speak out and get help. The impact he had across the world is something most of us can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.

Ricky was known as the People’s Champion, and not just because of the belts or the crowds. It was his down to earth, relatable nature that made him so loved by fans, by friends, by everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him.

At Tackling Minds, we were proud to have him as our ambassador, but even more proud to have called him a mate.

To remember Ricky in his own words and see the heart behind the gloves, here’s a short video of him sharing why he joined us as an ambassador, and how passionately he spoke about mental health and fishing:

We’ll keep banging the drum for mental health in your memory, Rick, louder than ever.

My heart goes out to Campbell, Millie, Fearn, Lyla and all of Ricky’s family and loved ones.

You’ll never be forgotten, mate.
Until we meet again, Dave.