- Graham Thorpe’s family were praised for speaking out about his mental health
- The former England batsman took his own life earlier this month at the age of 55
Graham Thorpe’s family were last night praised for their courage after sharing the news that the former England star took his own life.
They opened up about the struggles with major depression and anxiety of Thorpe, 55, to his ex-international team-mate Mike Atherton before it emerged that he was hit by a train in east Surrey on the morning of August 4. An inquest in Woking opens on Tuesday.
His wife Amanda confirmed that the father of four had previously tried to kill himself in May 2022, but despite being seriously ill in hospital made a recovery.
The following month, Ben Stokes wore a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and his cap number of 564 ahead of his first Test as permanent captain against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Further tributes poured in from the sport from those he played under, alongside, against or coached following the revelation from his second wife and daughters Kitty, 22, and Emma, 19, that he had suffered from poor mental health for some time.
Graham Thorpe’s family were praised for speaking out about mental health after his death
The former England batsman took his own life on August 4 after struggling with depression
Sam Billings hailed the ‘incredible strength’ shown by Thorpe’s family in the wake of his death
His former England coach David Lloyd said: ‘News of how Graham’s life ended only increases the sense of sadness. He was a troubled soul.
‘As a player he was revered by his team-mates and he was extremely cricket savvy, knowing how to adapt to any situation. For these reasons, he was the cricketer’s cricketer.’
Sam Billings, who worked under Thorpe’s coaching as an England player, added: ‘Heartbreaking. Thinking of Amanda, Kitty and Emma. Incredible strength to talk about this and spread awareness. Thorpey you’ll be sorely missed mate, I cannot thank you enough for the influence and impact you had on me.’
Darren Lehmann, an Australian opponent of Thorpe during his 100-Test career, sent on a message from down under: ‘Thank you for sharing your story the Thorpe family, I hope it helps others out there. He was a wonderful man and mental illness is real and happens in many different ways.’
His two daughters revealed that he rarely spoke about his legendary status as a sportsman – telling them ‘he knocked a ball about a bit’ – and how he loved his family and would ‘get up and dance anywhere, to anything’.
His legacy will be a foundation in his memory, with Kitty saying: ‘We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma.’
Ben Stokes donned a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and cap number ahead of England’s Test against New Zealand
Samaritans chief executive Julie Bentley echoed those sentiments, when she said: ‘Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and unfortunately we know that one in five people will struggle with suicidal thoughts in their lifetimes, but many people face this struggle in silence.
‘It’s really important to have open and honest conversations about the topic of suicide as we know it can save lives.
‘Talking openly can help to break the stigma surrounding the subject and can encourage people who are struggling to get the vital support they need.’
For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
