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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. Last month your Daily Star and the Manchester Evening News (MEN) joined forces to help continue The Hitman’s crusade to help those affected by mental health issues. Former world champion Ricky tragically took his own life aged 46 on September 14 after battling addiction and mental health demons for years. Shortly afterwards the MEN launched the fundraising campaign as a fitting legacy for local hero Ricky, who had always proudly supported the city of his birth. To donate, please visit GoFundMe here Together with the Daily Star, it pledged to raise the cash for both CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Andy’s Man Club. And today we are proud to reveal that the target has been reached thanks largely to the donations of generous readers. 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.” 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. 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. Founder of Andy's Man Club Luke Ambler said: “Ricky Hatton wasn’t just a boxing icon he was a man who had the courage to speak openly about his own struggles and, in doing so, gave strength to so many others. He showed that no matter how tough or successful you are, it’s okay to talk, and that message is exactly what ANDYSMANCLUB stands for. "To see people come together in Ricky’s memory and raise funds for ANDYSMANCLUB means the world to us. This incredible support helps us keep our 320+ groups open across the UK every Monday night, giving thousands of men a safe place to talk, connect and know they’re not alone. "Ricky’s openness around mental health has saved lives, and this fundraiser ensures that legacy continues. His impact reaches far beyond the ring it lives on through the conversations that happen in our rooms every week. We’re truly grateful to everyone involved and to the Daily Star for championing a cause that’s changing and saving lives.” Ben Rankin, Daily Star Editor-in-Chief, said: “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.” Well done, readers. We asked you to dig deep for charity in the wake of Ricky Hatton’s death - and you have really delivered. Your contributions helped us raise an incredible £3,000 for causes close to the Hitman’s heart. Thank you so much for your generous donations. It really speaks volumes about the wonderful folk you all are. The money will really make a difference in the fight for better mental health. And the work now goes on to continue the amazing campaigning Ricky did in his lifetime through the foundation set up in his name. For far too long, men’s mental health was a taboo subject. Things have begun to improve in recent years. But there is still so much work to be done. Ricky’s legacy will be the continuation of that fight.
