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A campaign to raise £3,000 for two charities close to Ricky Hatton’s heart has been achieved thanks to readers of the Daily Star and Manchester Evening News. Last month we joined forces to help continue The Hitman’s crusade to help those affected by mental health issues. We pledged to honour his legacy by supporting two causes close to him. Former world champion Ricky tragically died at his home 46 on September 14. The boxing star's death left ripples in the Greater Manchester community and far beyond. As a proud Mancunian and avid Manchester City supporter, tributes poured in in the past few weeks from Greater Manchester, across the world of boxing, and the wider sporting community. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Celebrities including Oasis' Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury attended Hatton's memorial service at Manchester Cathedral on October 10. Shortly after Hatton's death, the M.E.N launched the fundraising campaign as a fitting legacy for local hero Ricky, who had always proudly supported the city of his birth. Together with the Daily Star, it pledged to raise the cash for both CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Andy’s Man Club. CALM, for whom Hatton became an ambassador in 2023, runs a lifesaving helpline staffed by trained professionals for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. It provides life-saving services, information and advice including a free and anonymous nightly helpline for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Andy’s Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Last month, Andy's Man Club saw record numbers attend its more than 300 sessions across the country, with 6,243 men taking part. Last night Ricky’s longtime friend and agent Paul Speak told the Daily Star : “This is fantastic. It’s amazing that people have donated in memory of Ricky for great causes. “He was an ambassador for CALM so he’d be made up that people are donating money to a charity that was so close to his heart.” Ben Rankin, Daily Star Editor-in-Chief, added: “We’re delighted to be able to play a part in raising this money for two charities so close to Ricky’s heart. And thanks to all our wonderful readers who donated.” --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable , highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street . If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
