**Cricket World Reflects on Graham Thorpe’s Life and Legacy One Year After His Death**
Cricket fans, former teammates, and supporters are today coming together at the Oval in London to honour the memory of Graham Thorpe, the much-loved England and Surrey cricketer whose death last year at the age of 55 shocked the sporting community. The occasion, appropriately named “A Day for Thorpey”, coincides with what would have been Thorpe’s 56th birthday and takes place during the fifth and final Test between England and India—a fitting tribute at one of cricket’s most storied venues.
Thorpe’s passing on 4 August 2024 occurred after a long and private struggle with depression and anxiety. The former left-handed batsman, celebrated for his elegant stroke play and gritty determination, died after being struck by a train at Esher railway station in Surrey. An inquest concluded last month confirmed that Thorpe died from multiple injuries and ruled the cause of death as suicide. According to his widow Amanda, he had grappled with his mental health for many years and believed, tragically, that those closest to him “would be better off without him”.
In the wake of Thorpe’s death, Amanda revealed that he had previously attempted suicide in May 2022, underlining how deeply he struggled following the loss of his post as batting coach with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The inquest heard that the abrupt end of his coaching career marked a notable turning point in his mental wellbeing, with significant shortcomings in the care he had received. Healthcare professionals, it was revealed, had not recognised the depth of his crisis, despite warnings from Amanda after Graham had directly asked her for help to end his life.
Despite their personal sadness, Thorpe’s family have channelled their grief into efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. Speaking after the inquest, Amanda called Graham her “best friend and soulmate”, and outlined plans to commemorate his life with today’s public celebration at the Oval. She described the family’s continuing heartbreak, adding, “We will never get over the tragic loss of Graham and we miss him every day.”
The ‘A Day for Thorpey’ event is being used both to celebrate Thorpe’s achievements and to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind, highlighting the increasing need for support for those affected by mental illness—both directly and indirectly. Supporters in attendance are wearing special headbands, reminiscent of those Thorpe wore during his international career. These have been co-designed by his family and are being sold at the ground, with proceeds set to fund “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat”, a project that blends cricket with guided community support to promote mental wellbeing.
Thousands are expected at the Oval’s stands for today’s commemorative match, many sporting the £5 headbands that symbolise not only Thorpe’s legacy but also the importance of open conversations about mental health. The funds raised from these sales and additional donations will support the expansion of the Bat and Chat programme across England and Wales, providing cricket sessions combined with psychoeducation to help those who may be struggling.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of today’s event, Amanda Thorpe described the day as “very powerful”, expressing the family’s desire to remember him with joy and pride, whilst using his story to break down silence around mental health. “His light was so bright. He’ll go on,” she said.
Thorpe’s daughters have also joined the campaign to raise mental health awareness. His daughter Kitty commented on the silence around topics such as death and suicide, stating, “It’s surrounded by taboo and people are afraid of saying the wrong thing, but that doesn’t help tackle stigma—we need to change the conversation.” Her sister Emma echoed these sentiments, noting that although their father had been a private person, sharing his story could help others feel less alone.
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, praised the Thorpe family’s candour and resilience following Graham’s death. “The courage shown by his family… continues to be inspirational, and the difference this makes to other people is profound,” she said. She added that events like ‘A Day for Thorpey’ serve not only to honour one of England’s cricketing greats but also to encourage open discussions about mental health, whilst raising money for impactful programmes that benefit communities nationwide.
For those affected by any of the issues mentioned, there are resources available, including the Samaritans, who can be contacted for free on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. As Amanda and her family’s commemoration of Graham Thorpe illustrates, nobody should have to face these struggles in isolation.