The cricketing world mourns the loss of Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer and coach, who tragically took his own life. His wife, Amanda Thorpe, has revealed the heartbreaking truth: Graham battled severe depression and anxiety for years, ultimately succumbing to its weight.
Graham Thorpe’s English Career
Graham Thorpe played for England between 1993 and 2005. He remains the 10th-highest scorer of all time for England. As a left-handed batsman, he scored 16 centuries across his test and ODI career. Thorpe spent 17 years representing Surrey and captained England three times.
Despite his mental strength on the field, Graham suffered silently. His family supported him through many treatments, but none seemed to work effectively. In May 2022, he made a serious attempt on his life, leading to a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. Depression and anxiety continued to plague him, even as glimpses of the old Graham occasionally surfaced.
“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life,” Thorpe’s wife Amanda told Times.
‘He loved us and he had loved life before his illness took over’
Graham Thorpe’s family tell @Athersmike about former England star’s struggle with anxiety and depression
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— Times Sport (@TimesSport) August 12, 2024
Graham’s physical health deteriorated over the past two years. Mental illness knows no boundaries; it can affect anyone, regardless of their strength or physical well-being.
Graham’s daughter, Kitty, emphasizes the importance of discussing chronic mental ill-health and suicide. The family wants to break the stigma and raise awareness. They believe there is nothing to hide, and sharing the news is crucial.
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