Ricky Hatton Foundation
It’s a real shame I need to start this week’s (Contaminated) Food for Thought with this subject matter, but I suppose somebody has to do it. I should say this section is posing questions - rather than accusations. But some answers would appease many.
Serious questions are being asked of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, the ‘charity’ (not registered as a charity as yet and currently a Limited Company as per Companies House) set up with the mission statement claiming it will:
“continue his work to speak out for and support those with mental health challenges… Trustees are determined to turn sadness into positive action, using the foundation to support meaningful projects… helping to ensure no one has to fight this battle alone.”
That is, of course, admirable. And the purpose of the Foundation appears in alignment with Hatton’s own struggles. But it’s been brought to my attention, by some of those close to the former champion, that they’re unsure how money raised is actually being spent and have raised concerns. They’ve seen nothing disclosed, no posts detailing donations, or financial support for the “projects” or “initiatives” they claim to be determined to support.
Also, the Ricky Hatton Foundation are on record as stating Ringwalk Media 12 – a bespoke boxing content and media management company, in their own words – are managing the social media strategy and comms. It’s extremely bespoke, as it goes, with a locked/protected Twitter account and a whopping 12 followers. Maybe a little too bespoke, one could argue.
The issue with Ringwalk Media 12 isn’t their follower count – who fornicating cares about that. It’s that they are headed by Johnny Pollard, a convicted fraudster.
Pollard was given a suspended jail sentence for eight counts of fraud (initially 22 counts, however the remaining 1 were dropped due to complainants moving overseas or refusing to assist the prosecution). He took over £30,000 from excited would-be holiday lovers, offering non-existent exotic trips.
Pollard “deployed a tactic of false promises” and would “make up lie-after-lie to distract his clients.” Not my words or my opinion, but the words of this article, where Pollard was told by the judge, Mr Ciaran Rankin, that he was “nothing more than a conman.”
Not exactly the social media or communications partner I’d expect a mental health charity (or Foundation) to have at its helm – but maybe I’m being over dramatic? Maybe it’s me. Oh, no, it’s not just me.
Hatton’s former fiancée, and mother of two daughters, Jennifer Dooley was initially a part of the Foundation – but very quickly resigned and stepped away from it. Dooley – who remained supportive of Hatton despite their relationship ending amidst some of his personal difficulties – doesn’t have any link to it. A little strange, no?
DAZN and former Sky head honcho, Adam Smith is closely linked to the Foundation. Smith recently published a book on Hatton, titled ‘The Light That Never Goes Out’ and has been signing copies of it up-and-down the country. Here’s a review on Amazon from a Mr John Howarth:
“Not sure about being a powerful book. It is more about Adam Smith than Ricky Hatton.”
Now, we don’t know how qualified Mr Howarth is to provide his critical assessment of Smith’s writing, so we’ll let that slide. But why are a number of prominent people left out when remembering Hatton and his impact on the sport?
Where the fornicate is Billy Graham? The trainer who worked so closely with Hatton, building and shaping him into the world beater, the people’s champion? I’ve been informed Graham refused. Where is Jane Couch, a long-time friend and former employee of Hatton during his tenure as a promoter? Couch demanded Smith left her out, she and Graham weren’t alone.
How much of that book’s profit is being donated to the Ricky Hatton Foundation? Is it a percentage? Is it a monetary amount per sale? Without stating there’s any wrong doing here, which of course, I can’t be sure of and would hate to think of, it would be remiss to ignore the lack of clarity or commitment. And so, in the interest of fairness, I reached out to the Ricky Hatton Foundation with the following questions:
Who explicitly approved Ricky Hatton’s book?
From the sales of the book, what % was transferred to the Foundation’s account?
As above, what % or monetary figure was given to Adam Smith and Paul Speak from sales of the book or for services agreed?
Can you state, clearly, what charitable activity, donation or monetary figure the Foundation have distributed to further their aims in supporting mental health? (As I can’t find anything at all)
Why did Jennifer Dooley resign very shortly after the creation of the Ricky Hatton Foundation? Did she have any concerns?
I sent those yesterday afternoon and haven’t had a response at time of writing.
I was sent a poster for an event that was published on Facebook earlier today which is too cringe-inducing to even feature on here. But it was for an event being advertised on Sunday 4th October. If I asked Alexa for a completely tone-deaf event title to commemorate a man who’d suffered publicly with alcohol and drug addiction, it couldn’t have bettered this one.
“Buy Ricky a birthday pint!”
Breathtaking, truly.
What’s even more remarkable about this little shindig is that it’s raising money “in aid of” two causes. One is the Ricky Hatton Foundation. The other is listed on the poster as ‘Ricky’s Mates Local Charity Fund.’ What the fornicate is going on here? How do we split the proceeds, guys? How do we know what money goes where? Who is Ricky’s mate and what is his charity fund?
A question was posted under the post asking for any registered charity numbers – it remains unanswered.
*The pub have since cancelled the event and confirmed their funds raised for the local charity have been distributed amongst causes in the area. Tony, the owner, reached out to confirm this and I have no reason to believe they’ve benefitted from any speculative fundraising linked to the Foundation.
This event is most probably disconnected from any work the Ricky Hatton Foundation is officially undertaking or signing off. But it furthers fears that, sadly, Hatton’s name and legacy, his importance to the people of Manchester and of boxing, can be used for some to cash in. ‘Ricky’s Mates Local Charity Fund’ may be genuine and could just be a poorly advertised spot on a poster…
I spoke to a writer who had pledged proceeds of his next book to the Foundation in good faith, someone similarly inquisitive and unsure of how they’re using these donations. I’ve spoken to others close to Hatton who share the same confusion. Donations upwards of £10,000 at a time all sitting in a Limited Company account with Paul Speak (Hatton’s manager), Adam Smith (chief book signer), Campbell Hatton (Hatton’s surviving son) and Jon Eade (some fella) listed as key individuals.
I was given a number for Adam Smith which I messaged respectfully, asking for some time to clarify some of the points raised above. No response. That’s fine. He doesn’t owe me anything and I’m certain he’ll be able to confirm his part in it all. But he explicitly stated in messages that I’ve seen that he: had doubts or concerns about the Foundation himself and that he was told categorically that “nobody was getting paid” from a live event.
Anyway, if you fancy attending a Ricky Hatton Foundation event, there’s one on November 29th at Leeds Irish Centre, a venue that holds up to 800 people (as per online reports). They’re charging £20 per ticket, top line takings of £16,000 if it sells out to that number. And you’ll never guess who the ‘guest speakers’ are? Adam Smith and Paul Speak. Keep it all in house, eh?
Are you being paid for that event, gentlemen? Or doing that for the good of the Foundation?
Anyway, hopefully the Ricky Hatton Foundation can provide examples of their fantastic work – financially or through some tangible initiatives – and I have nothing to suggest any official wrongdoing. It’s purely an ask for transparency. You’d expect that from any other charity or fundraising committee, wouldn’t you? I look forward to hearing from them at their earliest convenience.
We can only hope and remain optimistic that some of the prominent figures in Hatton’s life are acting with integrity. It’s the least he deserves
