Poignant Ricky Hatton legacy for Liverpool suicide bereavement support charity

A boxing glove signed by the late boxer Ricky Hatton is one of the main items being auctioned at a fundraising event in aid of a Liverpool suicide bereavement charity.

Money from its sale will go towards the work of Paul’s Place in Clubmoor which offers counselling, and holistic and aftercare support to adults who have lost loved ones through suicide.

The former welterweight and light welterweight world champion boxer, known as The People’s Champion, was found dead in his home last month after sadly taking his own life.

Andrew Okell, community engagement and support lead for Paul’s Place, part of Beacon Counselling Trust in Townsend Avenue, revealed that the charity has had numerous donations from celebrities and sports stars like fellow boxer Anthony Joshua and golfer Tommy Fleetwood.

But Andrew said: “Perhaps the most poignant of all the donations we have had is the boxing glove signed by Ricky Hatton.

“I am sure that those who knew Ricky would feel proud to see the part his legacy is playing in not just opening up and supporting conversations around mental health, but how funds raised from items such as this can actively support people bereaved by suicide.”

He said there had already been a lot of interest in the glove, given by one of the event organisers, and an offer of a considerable sum already made, and Andrew added: “We are very grateful to include it in our fundraising auction.

“It seems a fitting tribute to, and legacy left by, Ricky.”

Around 400 people, including Brookside stars and other celebrities and city dignitaries, are expected to attend the fundraiser being held at The Devonshire House Hotel in Edge Lane on Friday, November 7.

It is being organised by Tony Murray, a friend of the late actor Dean Sullivan, with a three-course meal and entertainment from acts like ex-X Factor contestant Sami Brookes.

The money it collects is vital to the work of the organisation which receives no government or NHS funding.

The Paul’s Place Specialist Suicide Bereavement Programme  at Beacon Counselling Trust relies on donations, often made by those who have received support from it, or events that they hold to raise money.

It has been ‘fortunate’ to receive two National Lottery grants in previous years but has not been awarded a third.

The service it offers is provided free of charge for those across Merseyside who have lost someone to suicide and was named in memory of Paul Jensen and Paul ‘Geoff’ Williams who both died by suicide, albeit 23 years apart. 

Paul Jensen is the brother of Kathy Devlin, and Paul Williams is the son of Agnes and Joe Williams, who are the three co-founders of the service.

It was launched in October 2017 with an initial target to provide one-to-one counselling for 40 people bereaved by suicide in that first year.

In fact, it saw 78 people indicating, it says, ‘just how important and essential the service is both to the individual bereaved and on a societal scale’.

Paul’s Place continues to receive more than 100 referrals a year asking for its help.

Kathy Devlin, who as well as being Paul’ Place co-founder is clinical manager, said: “When we lost my brother to suicide in September 1992, it was like having a grenade thrown in to the family living room. The devastation caused would impact for some considerable time.

“There was no support available for our family, and we slowly had to piece things back together ourselves. Twenty-three years later I was approached by Clare Williams who had lost her brother to suicide and was looking for support for her parents Joe and Agnes.

“Clare’s email came through on the anniversary of my own brother’s suicide and, with my role at Beacon Counselling Trust, I was compelled to help in any way that I could.”

The programme offers ‘postvention’, with counselling, weekly drop-in meetings, a support group and regular events like a Trek Trail where people affected by suicide can walk with others who know exactly what they’re going through, and ‘Journeys of Discovery’, trips normally around a two-hour drive away where they can get away, enjoy a different environment and get out into nature to reap its benefits and effects and, again, make contact with those who have shared experiences.

“The hope is that, with the event, we can raise awareness of the necessary work wo do,” said Andrew, “and raise money to carry on doing it.

“People can feel isolated after a bereavement by suicide and we can help connect them with others who have experienced similar things and support them and help them with the coping process.

“It’s work we know is needed. It’s work that’s vital.”

To find out more go to https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/ or to self-refer call 0151 226 0696 or complete the online referral form on its website.

You can also email support@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk.

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