After battling a life-threatening addiction, David Lyons turned his life around and now helps others do the same through his charity Tackling Minds – encouraged by the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton MBE.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Lyons was at his lowest point, fighting an addiction which doctors said would take his life. This was when, out of the blue, he got a video call from professional British boxer Ricky Hatton.
Lyons said: “He encouraged me to get back on the straight and narrow. He said, ‘When you get yourself better, you are coming to my house to cook and sing some Oasis tunes’”.
That moment marked the start of his recovery. It was during this journey that he had the idea of ‘Tackling Minds’. A charity which aims to continue breaking down barriers to wellbeing, using fishing as a pathway to improve mental health, creating stronger communities and lasting change.
It was in the early stages of his sobriety that he took the idea to Hatton.
Lyons commented: “Not many people had faith in me back then, but Ricky did. He was one of the first people I told. His support and encouragement meant everything”.
Hatton later became an ambassador for Tackling Minds. When remembering Hatton, Lyons said: “He had a really soft heart, and would have done anything for anyone”.
“He became a very close friend, someone I could always turn to. Hatton told me to break the stigma down, that is what I’m trying to do.”
Today, Tackling Minds runs several events and initiatives across Manchester. Every Friday, they host a space at Dunham Massey, which is attended by Salford residents. Participants learn about the basics of fishing, spend time in nature and take part in open conversations about mental health.
The sessions are led by qualified coaches with lived experience and all equipment is provided, ensuring they are fully accessible for all.
The charity’s mission continues to grow as a lasting legacy of Hatton’s compassion and determination to talk about mental health.
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