Ricky Hatton charity set up so 'no-one fights alone'

Ricky Hatton's friends and family say they want to carry on the boxer's legacy

Ricky Hatton's son has said "no-one needs to fight alone" as he revealed plans by the former world champion's family and friends for a new mental health charity.

In a post on social media, Campbell Hatton said a foundation would be set up in his father's name to "carry on Ricky's spirit to help as many people as possible".

There was an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the world when the boxer, 46, was found dead in his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester last month.

Hatton's friends and family said they were determined to "channel our sadness into something powerful and positive".

A website created for the Ricky Hatton Foundation said the boxer was "open and honest about his own struggles with mental health".

"His courage in speaking about these challenges gave others the strength to share their own battles."

Hatton's community has paid tribute to him following his death

According to the website, the charity's missions include raising awareness of mental health challenges, removing the stigma around mental illness and offering direct support through talking therapies and community programmes.

Hatton's funeral will be held on Friday at Manchester Cathedral.

Mourners are also invited to join a procession which will begin at Cheshire Cheese in Hyde before it passes a number of other locations associated with the boxer.

There has been an outpouring of grief from Hatton's local community and from across the world following his death, with tributes being paid to him by boxing legends and sporting greats including Amir Khan and Wayne Rooney.