Shortly before his passing, Gary “Mani” Mounfield made a significant contribution to a charitable cause in memory of a prominent acquaintance. Renowned for his roles in the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, Manchester music scene icon Mani, who lived for 63 years, had a profound impact on many individuals. Tributes following his recent demise on November 20 at his residence in Heaton Moor, Stockport, showcased the widespread admiration and fondness for him, with figures like Liam Gallagher and Paul Weller expressing their condolences.
Prior to his own demise, Mani paid tribute to another Manchester luminary, his close friend, boxer Ricky Hatton, who succumbed to mental health struggles at 46 in September. Subsequently, Ricky’s family initiated The Ricky Hatton Foundation to support mental health services, community programs, and educational initiatives within the sports industry.
During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Ricky’s son Campbell emphasized the foundation’s mission to destigmatize mental health discussions, especially among men. Mani, in support of the cause, contributed £500 to a JustGiving page that has raised over £15,000 to date. He expressed his commitment to the project and his deep sorrow over Ricky’s passing, vowing to preserve his memory forever.
Mani, among the attendees at Ricky’s funeral in October at Manchester Cathedral, was mourned by his brother in a poignant social media post announcing his death. Following the loss of his wife Imelda in 2023 to cancer, leaving behind their twin sons Gene Clark and George Christopher, Mani’s passing marked another tragic loss for the family.
In a touching tribute on social media, Mani’s former bandmates from the Stone Roses hailed him as “the greatest,” honoring his legacy as a phenomenal bassist and cherished friend.