The congregation’s gathering in Manchester Cathedral was marked by recollection rather than a lack of sound. Millie and Fearne, Ricky Hatton’s children, stood in front of thousands of people who had come to honor their father and spoke in a way that was both incredibly sincere and brutally honest. A child’s appeal, encased in love, perplexity, and grace, reverberated across the hall when Millie asked, “Why didn’t you reach out?” It was a moment of realization as well as pain, demonstrating how even the strongest people may falter in silence.

After a lengthy procession through the streets of Manchester, where fans gathered to pay their respects, the service started. The cortege made stops at well-known locations, including bars, fitness centers, and sites that embodied Hatton’s spirit. Faces showed loss and admiration at every turn. Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher, and Tyson Fury were among the guys in the audience inside the cathedral; they were all well-known, but they were all united by their admiration for the “People’s Champion.” The day’s emotional depth, however, came from his daughters, who grounded the grandeur in love amidst these well-known names.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard John “Ricky” Hatton |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Stockport, England |
| Profession | Professional Boxer, Trainer, Promoter |
| Death | September 14, 2025 (aged 46) |
| Daughter (older) | Millie Hatton (aged 13) |
| Daughter (younger) | Fearne Hatton (aged 12) |
| Reference |
Even at the age of 13, Millie’s maturity was quite evident in her speech. She thought about the years she would now spend without her father by her side—the marriages he would miss, the grandchildren he would never see, the life events he would no longer be present for. The simplicity of her comments carried a weight that statistics and triumphs could never match because they were so profoundly human. She reassured the man whose absence had caused the hole by saying, “I sincerely hope you don’t ever think you have let me down.” Publicly expressing that kind of forgiveness is more poignant because it demonstrates how love transcends comprehension.
Fearne, her younger sister, then gave a tribute honoring the fighter’s father. She recalled playing darts, bowling, and mini-golf at his Greater Manchester home. She remarked, “What I admire most about you is how you make those who don’t feel seen feel seen.” The sentence encapsulated Hatton’s personality, including his generosity as well as his appeal as a fighter. Her portrayal of him as someone whose warmth, mischief, and laughter brought delight to everyone around him was so heartwarming.
As a boxer, Campbell, Ricky Hatton’s son, continued his father’s tradition in a number of ways. In his eulogy, he recalled their bond-building simple pleasures, such as jokes, karaoke duets, and pub visits. According to Campbell, “there was an unbreakable connection that gave me the best memories of my life when we were together.” Even though his message was written with sadness, it was remarkably upbeat and honored a friendship and humor-based relationship rather than one based on celebrity.
It is remarkable how the words of the Hatton children came together to paint a picture of a father who was both heroic and relatable. Their sorrow made clear the price of having many loved ones yet passing away too soon. It also emphasized how individual struggles are frequently hidden by stardom. Ricky Hatton had been candid about his post-retirement mental health issues. His honesty had been incredibly successful in shattering taboos, and his vulnerability had made him relatable. In addition to being personal, Millie’s query, “Why didn’t you reach out?” became a group meditation on the value of communication and empathy.
Following the service, a tribute was shown on the enormous screen as the cortege made its way to Etihad Stadium. The journey, which began at the gym where he trained and ended at the home of Manchester City, his lifelong club, was extremely symbolic. As they chanted his name and cheered through tears, fans turned sadness into a celebration of life. It served as a clear reminder to his daughters that their father, a man who stood up for pride, family, and the city, belonged to the entire community, not just to them.
Their homages also serve as a reminder of the distinct ways in which public people’ offspring deal with loss. Despite being in the public eye, Millie and Fearne handled their loss with remarkable poise. They talked about affection and shared memories rather than fame or prestige. Their remarks, which taught us about love and resiliency in the face of loss, were incredibly moving. Many viewed Hatton as a champion, but to others, he was just “Daddy”—a man who prepared pancakes, cracked jokes, and made everyday days exciting.
The fact that their remarks have spurred more extensive discussions around mental health in sports is very significant. Campaigns for awareness have been rekindled by Hatton’s candor throughout his lifetime and his daughter’s inquiry following his death. Since then, a large number of admirers have shared personal anecdotes on social media, attributing their difficulties to Hatton. Without realizing it, his girls have grown into brave and empathetic speakers, carrying on his legacy by being honest instead of wearing boxing gloves.
Fearne’s silent benediction, “This isn’t goodbye forever because I know I’ll see you one way or another,” persisted. It was remarkably hopeful—not in denial, but in faith—that connection can endure loss and love may transcend absence. The event had an emotional beat because of her words: anguish met serenity, sadness met thankfulness. In their innocence, the youngest Hattons were able to express something that adults frequently find difficult to do: that memory itself has the power to heal.