Ricky Hatton's family opens 'In Your Corner' room at Burnley mental health organisation Casual Minds Matter

A Burnley based mental health organisation has opened a room dedicated to the memory of the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

‘Anyone can walk in’ is the mantra at the room, called ‘In Your Corner’ at Casual Minds Matter CIC in Burnley’s Charter Walk.

The room was opened by Ricky’s mum and dad, Carol and Ray Hatton, and they were joined by his close friends Jimmy Largey, Mike Mullen and Dawn Mullen. All of them have supported the charity’s work for some time, along with the Tenerife Cityzens, a Manchester City supporters’ club.

The ‘In Your Corner Room’ is a drop-in space where anyone struggling with their mental health can talk to someone, either one to one in private or in group sessions covering anxiety, PTSD, suicide awareness and prevention, anger management and grief. There is no referral needed and no appointment required — the door is open to anyone who needs it.

Ricky, who died last year, held nicknames such as "the Hitman", "the Pride of Hyde" and the "People's Champion.’ He competed between 1997 and 2012, and later worked as a boxing promoter and trainer. During his career, Ricky held multiple world championships in the light welter-weight division, and one at welterweight.

Casual Minds Matter was founded in January 2022 . The organisation works with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, those affected by homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, debt, job loss and isolation, providing counselling, group therapy, wellbeing support and safety planning.

CMM works alongside GPs, social prescribers, the DWP, the prison and probation service and the Lancashire Police mental health diversion panel.

Carol said: “I didn’t have a clue what to expect. It surpassed all expectations. The volunteers and everyone else involved were very kind. It was an emotional day to say the least.”

Jimmy Largey, who helped organise security at Ricky’s farewell at Manchester Cathedral along with Mike Mullen, visited the cathedral to say a prayer before travelling to Burnley.

He said: “It’s a room where anyone, and I mean anyone, can just walk in off the street and chat if they are struggling with mental health issues.”

He added that he had been working to get the room open for months, and that Ricky’s wider family and friends can visit in their own time.

Dawn Mullen said: “What an amazing, emotional day. This will help so many people. Ricky, as always, is still helping so many people.”

Justin Pate, Director of Casual Minds Matter, said: “Ricky was open about mental health when many people weren’t, and that meant a lot to people. Having his family and friends here to open the In Your Corner Room was a very special and emotional day for everyone involved.

“Anyone who comes through our doors will find someone to listen, in private and without judgement.”