Graham Thorpe's Family Speaks Out on His Mental Health Struggles and Sudden Passing

Strategic Insights -

Graham Thorpe, a cricket legend and former England Test team member, tragically took his own life last summer. Thorpe's family has been open about his mental health struggles, describing how his life spiralled out of control in the months leading up to his death. His wife, Amanda, told an inquest that Thorpe had asked her to help him end his life just weeks before his passing. Thorpe had been struggling with anxiety and depression, exacerbated by his sacking from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the COVID-19 lockdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Graham Thorpe, a former England cricket legend, took his own life last summer after struggling with anxiety and depression.
  • Thorpe's family has been open about his mental health struggles, describing how his life spiralled out of control in the months leading up to his death.
  • He had been sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board in early 2022 following an incident on an Ashes tour of Australia, and had attempted to take his own life in May 2022.
  • Thorpe's mental health never fully recovered after the first attempt, and he became increasingly isolated and withdrawn.
  • His wife, Amanda, told an inquest that Thorpe had asked her to help him end his life just weeks before his passing.
  • The family is working with mental health charity Mind to address the stigma surrounding mental health and death by suicide.
  • A memorial event, 'A Day For Thorpey', will be held at the Oval during the upcoming England vs India Test match series to raise money for Mind and celebrate Thorpe's life.

Statistics:

  • Graham Thorpe scored 6,744 runs at an average of 44.66 in Test matches for England between 1993 and 2005.
  • He played 82 ODIs for England and worked as a batting coach with the England Test team, as well as a coach for the Afghanistan side.
  • Thorpe spent 8 weeks in hospital recovering from his first attempt on his life in May 2022.
  • 1 in 5 people experience mental health issues in the UK, with males being more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression (Mind).
  • 54% of those who die by suicide in the UK are men (Suicide Prevention Alliance).

Sources:

  • Guardian news article, August 4, Thorpe family speaks out on his mental health struggles (no date provided)
  • The Telegraph, 'Graham Thorpe's death: family to hold memorial event to raise awareness for mental health'
  • BBC Breakfast interview with Amanda Thorpe (no date provided)
  • Mind charity website (no date provided)
  • Suicide Prevention Alliance website (no date provided)