Campbell Hatton calls fan support after Ricky Hatton death 'a blessing'

Campbell Hatton said the family has not been able to grieve his father Ricky's death privately but called the public support they have received "a blessing." The former two-division world champion died last September at 46, prompting an outpouring from fans across Manchester and beyond.

Thousands lined the funeral route from Hyde to Manchester Cathedral in October. "As a family we've not been able to grieve with any privacy and there's a lot of negatives that have come from that — but if there's a positive, it's that people walking down the street say nice things and check up on us," Campbell told BBC Radio Manchester. "That's the blessing behind it."

Evening4Ricky tribute event announced for Manchester Arena

A special tribute event called Evening4Ricky will take place at Manchester Arena on 7 June 2026, the BBC reports. Campbell wants the occasion to be "a celebration and a party" for his father, who fought some of his biggest nights at the venue. Proceeds will benefit the Ricky Hatton Foundation, a mental health charity created the month after Ricky's death.

The foundation aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges and provide direct support through talking therapies and community programmes. Ricky had spoken openly about his own struggles with depression, substance use, and suicide attempts following his second retirement in 2012. Campbell said continuing that work was a fitting legacy. "Just before my dad passed away, I lost one of my best mates to suicide as well and it's a problem that is not going to go anywhere unless we do something about it," he said.

Campbell, 25, who has also boxed professionally, said getting help is harder than it sounds. "I've had my own battles and I heard it all the time that you should be talking — but to get yourself there and do it is the hard bit," he said. "Once you've started it's easy. I still do it now every week and it helps." The Evening4Ricky event is scheduled for 7 June at Manchester Arena.

Source: bbc.com