Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe's wife shares heartbreaking account of his mental health battle and challenges suicide stigma
The cricketing world continues to mourn the loss of
Graham Thorpe
, the esteemed former England and Surrey batsman who passed away in August 2024 at the age of 55.
Thorpe, who represented England in 100 Test matches and crafted 16 centuries with an impressive average of 45, had been facing challenges with his
mental health
for a long time.
In a deeply personal and moving contribution to the 2025 edition of the
Wisden Almanack
, which is being released next week and has been previewed in the UK's
Sunday Times
, Thorpe's wife, Amanda, offers a poignant insight into his struggles.
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She bravely shares her perspective on his long battle with
depression
and anxiety, highlighting the immense effort he put into overcoming these difficulties through various therapies and medications.
Amanda Thorpe eloquently describes her belief that her husband's challenges stemmed from a fundamental shift in his brain chemistry, a physical illness that held him in its grip.
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She emphasizes the absence of shame that should be associated with such suffering and passionately advocates for increased awareness and understanding of mental health conditions.
Addressing the often-held view of suicide as selfish, Amanda expresses profound compassion for what Graham endured, stating unequivocally that he, and indeed no one, deserves to experience such profound pain.
Beyond his stellar playing career, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, notably serving as England's batting coach and becoming a valued mentor to Joe Root, one of the nation's most prolific run-scorers.
Amanda suggests that the demanding conditions of working within the strict 'biosecure bubbles' during the pandemic may have contributed to a decline in his mental well-being.
She notes that the subsequent loss of his England coaching role following the 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia coincided with a vulnerable period for him. While his appointment as coach of Afghanistan followed, his struggles with anxiety and depression unfortunately intensified.
Amanda Thorpe's courageous words serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of mental health challenges and underscore the importance of empathy, understanding, and open dialogue surrounding these issues within the sporting community and beyond.
Her willingness to share her experience will undoubtedly contribute to greater awareness and support for those facing similar battles.
In times of distress, it's crucial to remember that you are not alone and that help is readily available. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Numerous resources are dedicated to providing immediate support and guidance.
Here's where you can find help in New Zealand:
Lifeline: Offering 24/7 support, you can call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) to connect with a trained professional.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Available around the clock, call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) for immediate assistance during a crisis.
Youth Services: For young individuals needing support, reach out at (06) 3555 906.
Youthline: Providing confidential support, you can call 0800 376 633 or text 234.
What's Up: Offering support for children and young people, call 0800 942 8787 (available 11 am to 11 pm) or access their webchat service (11 am to 10:30 pm).
Depression Helpline: If you're struggling with depression, support is available 24/7. Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
Helpline: For anyone needing to talk, you can call or text 1737 at any time.
Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Offering support for those who have lost someone to suicide, call 0800 000 053.
In an emergency, where you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger, please do not hesitate to call 111.
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