Dukinfield poet pens tribute to Ricky Hatton to highlight men’s mental health crisis

A Dukinfield poet has written a powerful tribute inspired by boxing legend Ricky Hatton in a bid to raise awareness of the growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health.

Steve Page has released a moving poem titled “Ricky (Hitman) Hatton”, which reflects on the life, struggles and legacy of the former world champion while encouraging men to speak openly about their feelings.

The poem has also been turned into a video and uploaded to YouTube, created by Steve’s 15-year-old grandson Dylan, who helped bring the words to life on screen.

Speaking about the project, Steve said the idea was driven by the alarming number of men taking their own lives.

“The numbers are staggering,” he said. “It’s the highest taker of men’s lives under 45 or under 50, and an average of 14 men a day are taking their own lives. It really is incredible, and it shows we need to talk about it more.”

Steve explained that the poem was inspired not only by the statistics but also by a conversation with his wife, who encouraged him to write about the issue.

“She said to me, ‘You need to make your next topic about that,’ because it affects so many families,” he said.

The poem focuses on Hatton’s journey from a northern working-class background to global boxing stardom, celebrating his popularity and the deep connection he had with fans across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Steve said Hatton’s story resonated because, on the surface, he appeared to have everything.

“Ricky is a perfect example. Who would have thought it? He was a multi-millionaire, he had lots of friends, and he took tens of thousands of fans across the world with him. He was a working-class hero and a national treasure.

“But sometimes people can look like they have everything - money, family, love - and still be struggling.”

At the heart of Steve’s message is the importance of encouraging men to talk openly about their feelings, particularly in traditionally male-dominated environments.

“People need to open up,” he said. “On building sites and in those more macho workplaces, it hasn’t always been common to talk about feelings. But it should be.

“It can actually be a strong thing, a macho thing even, to show your feelings and to listen to each other.”

The involvement of his grandson Dylan was also a key part of the project. Steve hopes that bringing younger generations into conversations about mental health will help change attitudes in the future.

“Dylan’s a smart lad and a thinker,” he said. “He’ll know how to talk to people about things and understand that it’s important not to bottle things up.

“I want him to know he can talk to us about anything - and hopefully other young people will see that and feel they can do the same.”

Steve believes raising awareness is something everyone can play a part in.

“If I had all the power in the world to tackle it, I’d just spread the word,” he said. “This isn’t something that only affects certain people, it affects everyone.

“You might see someone smiling, but that doesn’t mean nothing is going on behind it. People wear masks.”

His final message is simple but powerful.

“Talk to everyone. Talk to anyone,” he said. “In the North we’re used to striking up conversations at bus stops and places like that. Sometimes it’s harder in other places, but just talking can make such a difference.

“It might sound like an old cliché, but it’s true it really does help.”

Through his poem and the video collaboration with Dylan, Steve hopes Ricky Hatton’s story can help spark more conversations about men’s mental health - and remind people that no one should face their struggles alone.

The poem video can be viewed on YouTube via Steve Page’s channel. @thebardofdukinfield

Ricky (Hitman) Hatton

I grew up on a northern council estate, the same generation as his Mum,

A brand-new space with fresh air in place of the smog and the Manchester slums.

It's surprising how tight these communities grew, so we were proud of anyone who shone

When I first met him running along Stockport Road, I saw a future World Boxing Champion.

Although he was a dedicated professional, he enjoyed a few pints with his mates,

He had to work extra hard in the ring and the gym, to achieve his best fighting weight.

A loving son, brother, dad and grandad, success brought him much fame and wealth,

And he retained his famous sense of humour, he was the first one to laugh at himself.

An amazingly loyal fanbase, would follow him all over the world,

And the enormous crowds would chant his name loud, as their banners and flags unfurled.

With adrenaline coursing through his muscles and veins, gum shield in, game-face on,

He would stride into battle at a relentless pace, not stopping til he’d got the job done.

So retirement followed a sensational career, taking promotion and business deals on,

But it couldn't replace the thrills and the pace, it was hard to accept it was gone.

Admitting in public he was struggling to cope, feeling lonelier than ever this side of the ropes.

He tried to help others, explain how he felt, it was more of a challenge than winning his belts.

So it wasn't just the boxing world that hung its head and cried,

As news came through the ‘Peoples Champion’, the ‘Pride of Hyde’ had died.

The dam had burst and with it released an enormous emotional tide,

Winning millions of hearts through a glittering career, a nation begged the question: Why?.

It's a question that is asked far too often, current figures say fourteen; every day!

That's only counting men, for reasons best known to them, desperate to find another way.

Ricky’s is a high-profile story, a painful statistic of that September day,

Thousands stood outside, a City United by its pride, paying respect in its own special way.

We cannot let the passing of our champion, be a statistic, forgotten, just walk away

Good physical health, he was loved, had wealth, there are lessons to be learned here today.

He was everyone's friend and he fought till the end, his memory must live on and on,

Looking down he’d be pleased, for the legacy he leaves will save fathers, brothers and sons.

So,we must try to support the supporters, those dedicated people who care,

Perhaps his beloved Manchester City could help, to make more and more people aware.

There is also the Ricky Hatton Foundation, who make sure no one fights the fight alone

Then there's the trusty Samaritans, who are always at the end of a phone (116123).

Andy’s Man Club is a local support group, where you can share or just listen to others,

Honesty and trust are an absolute must and you are surrounded by like-minded brothers.

There are many more clubs and societies, who will help on those days that are tough,

Please don't battle your demons and troubles alone, you are precious and you are enough.

In Loving Memory of Ricky Hatton