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The Independent
an hour ago
- Health
- The Independent
Family of Graham Thorpe want to ‘reduce stigma' of mental health after ex-cricketer's death
The family of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe want to 'reduce the stigma' felt by people who suffer from bad mental health. Speaking outside Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking after the inquest into Mr Thorpe's death, his widow Amanda said the family would be working together with mental health charity Mind to "reduce the stigma by sufferers, especially middle-aged men". Mr Thorpe died on the morning of August 4, 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. Coroner Jonathan Stevens recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest. Mrs Thorpe said: 'We will never get over the tragic loss of Graham, and we miss him every day. She added: 'He was my best friend, my soulmate, and he was just a joy. 'And he loved life – but he got very ill.' Coroner Stevens said there were 'failings' into Mr Thorpe's care provision before he died. Mr Stevens said: "In my judgment there were shortcomings in the care that should have been provided to Graham in the last four months or so of his life." He added, "there were failings in the provision of his care" but said he cannot on the evidence conclude the failures were gross, and therefore could not conclude that if it were not for the failures, Mr Thorpe would not have died. The coroner said there was no evidence upon which he could make a finding of neglect in the case. Mr Stevens added: "It's clear there were shortcomings in his care. If he had been seen in those last four months, particularly after that incident on June 28, I cannot say whether it would or would not have made any difference." Mr Thorpe's cause of death was recorded by a pathologist as multiple injuries, the coroner said. Mr Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Failings' in provision of cricketer Graham Thorpe's care before death
There were 'failings' in the provision of care for former England cricketer Graham Thorpe in the months before he died, a coroner said, as he recorded a conclusion of suicide at his inquest. The 55-year-old died on the morning of August 4 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking heard Mr Thorpe had 'spiralled into depression' after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion. Speaking outside court, Mrs Thorpe said the family will 'never get over his loss' and they would be working together with mental health charity Mind to 'reduce the stigma' felt by people who suffer from poor mental health. She said: 'We will never get over the tragic loss of Graham and we miss him every day. 'He was my best friend, my soulmate, and he was just a joy. 'And he loved life – but he got very ill.' Coroner Jonathan Stevens said at the inquest the last time Mr Thorpe was seen in person by healthcare professionals was on March 26 2024. After missing an appointment with the community mental health team on June 28 that year, care co-ordinator Katie Johnson spoke to Mr Thorpe's wife Amanda on the phone who said her husband was 'constantly asking for help to end his life', the court had heard previously. Ms Johnson then spoke to Mr Thorpe who told her he 'hadn't been out for a while' and 'didn't see the point of being here' but had no immediate plans to act on suicidal thoughts, the inquest was told. The coroner said appointments were offered to the cricketer but he 'found it hard to attend these' because of his mental health, and in his judgment Mr Stevens said 'someone should have gone to see him to properly monitor and assess him, to do a face-to-face risk assessment and understand and address his care needs as required by the care plan'. He added that saying 'come see me in two weeks' was 'not an appropriate response'. In May 2023 Mr Thorpe had suicidal thoughts and was given in-patient treatment, and Mr Stevens said 'some similar protective measures should have been considered in June 2024'. Mr Stevens said: 'In my judgment there were shortcomings in the care that should have been provided to Graham in the last four months or so of his life.' He added 'there were failings in the provision of his care' but said he cannot on the evidence conclude the failures were gross, and therefore could not conclude that if it were not for the failures, Mr Thorpe would not have died. The coroner said there was no evidence upon which he could make a finding of neglect in the case. Mr Stevens added: 'It's clear there were shortcomings in his care. If he had been seen in those last four months, particularly after that incident on June 28, I cannot say whether it would or would not have made any difference.' Earlier on Friday, the inquest heard Mr Thorpe was not perceived by healthcare professionals to be in a 'crisis situation' after they were told he had been asking his wife 'for help to end his life' weeks before he died. The coroner said he did not accept that, adding: 'I don't accept that when Graham was constantly asking his wife to help him end his life, which was a new presentation… that he was not at that point in crisis.' Mr Thorpe's cause of death was recorded by a pathologist as multiple injuries, the coroner said. The inquest previously heard that while on tour in Australia with the England cricket team, there was an 'incident involving a video that was taken that had adverse publicity'. Mr Thorpe shared a video with some friends which was leaked, and the incident was 'blown out of all proportion', leaving Mr Thorpe 'distraught', Mrs Thorpe said. According to reports at the time, the video, filmed after a dismal Ashes series which England lost 4-0, showed Tasmanian police breaking up a drinking session involving both England and Australia players. Mrs Thorpe described it as a 'horrible' time, and said the later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board was a 'real shock to Graham', which was the 'start of the decline of his mental health'. Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats. Mark McGhee, who represents the family, said outside court the coroner had found 'significant shortcomings' in the care provided and added Mr Thorpe's family 'hope that the coroner will address these concerns' so that such a loss 'never happens again'. Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust chief nursing officer Jo Lynch said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Graham Thorpe and our thoughts are with Graham's family and loved ones. 'We will reflect on the coroner's findings and our role in Graham's care with a view to continuous improvement and learning.' – The Samaritans can be contacted on 116123 or email jo@
United News of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Eng to honour Thorpe in final Test against India
London, July 21 (UNI) The life and legacy of former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe will be commemorated on August 1, the second day of the final men's Test match between England and India at the Kia Oval, in an event titled 'A Day for Thorpey.' The tribute will mark what would have been Thorpe's 56th birthday. The legendary left-hander committed suicide on August 4 last year at the age of 55 after a prolonged struggle with anxiety and depression. The event aims not only to celebrate his cricketing achievements but also to raise awareness and funds for mental health, in partnership with the charity 'Mind.' Thorpe, who featured in 100 Test matches for England and enjoyed a distinguished career with Surrey County Cricket Club, later served in various coaching roles with both the national and county teams. Widely respected for his technical skill and grit, he remains one of the most admired figures in English cricket. To honour his memory, special edition headbands — designed to resemble those worn by Thorpe while batting — will be sold to raise funds for Mind. Co-designed by his wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma, the headbands will be available for pre-order starting July 21 through and Mind's eBay store. They will also be sold at the Kia Oval on August 1 for £5 each. In addition, a JustGiving page and a text-to-donate facility have been launched to support the cause. Supporters can text THORPEY5, THORPEY10 or THORPEY20 to 70255 to donate £5, £10 or £20 respectively. Funds raised will go toward expanding the "Thorpey's Bat and Chat" programme, a 12-week initiative combining cricket with psychoeducational mental health support, originally piloted by Burton and District Mind. The project will now be extended across England and Wales through local Mind branches and county cricket foundations. Kitty Thorpe reflected on the stigma around suicide: "Death and grief aren't talked about enough. When you add the layer of suicide, it becomes even more taboo. We're working with Mind to change that.' Emma Thorpe added: "My dad was a private person, but sharing his and our experiences is important to help others and reduce the shame and stigma around mental health." Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, praised the family's courage: "The loss of Graham deeply saddened us. Amanda, Kitty and Emma have spoken with immense strength. Their openness helps others going through similar struggles. It is an honour to work with them on 'A Day for Thorpey'." Oli Slipper, Chair of Surrey CCC, said: "Graham was a true legend. Celebrating him at his home ground feels fitting. We hope this day raises crucial awareness and support for mental wellbeing." The tribute at the Oval is expected to unite the cricketing world in remembrance of Thorpe, not just as a formidable batsman, but as a symbol of the pressing need to address mental health in sport and beyond. UNI BDN SSP
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Surrey To Honour Graham Thorpe On Day 2 Of Oval Test
Last Updated: 'Day for Thorpey' will be held at the Oval Cricket Ground, London, in support of mental health charity Mind, on what would have been Graham's 56th birthday. Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) will honour former England batter Graham Thorpe during the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. 'The life of England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe will be remembered and celebrated on Friday, August 1, during the second day of the final men's Test Match in the series between England vs India," Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) said in a statement. 'Day for Thorpey' will be held at the Oval Cricket Ground, London, in support of mental health charity Mind, on what would have been Graham's 56th birthday. Graham took his own life on August 4 last year, aged 55, after struggling with anxiety and depression for several years. Graham played first-class cricket for Surrey County Cricket Club and represented England in 100 Test matches. After retiring from playing, he took on various coaching roles within the sport for both Surrey and England. 'A Day for Thorpey' will raise money for mental health charity Mind through the sale of a limited-edition headband which resembles what Graham wore when he was batting for England. The headbands have been co-designed with Graham's wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma," the statement said. Money raised from headband sales and donations for 'A Day for Thorpey' will support the roll out of 'Thorpey's Bat and Chat", a project across England and Wales, in partnership with county cricket foundations and the charity's network of local Minds. Originally developed by Burton and District Mind, Bat and Chat is a 12-week programme combining cricket sessions with guided psychoeducation to support mental health and wellbeing. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Amanda Thorpe said, 'That day will be very powerful. We want to celebrate him and his memory. His light was so bright. He'll go on." Kitty Thorpe added, 'Death and grief in general isn't talked about enough, considering it happens to everyone. It surrounds us. When you add the layer of death by suicide, that makes it even more taboo. 'I understand it's difficult to talk about – people don't want to say the wrong thing. That doesn't help tackle the stigma around it. We need to change the way we're addressing the topic. That's why we're working with Mind to do something to help that." Emma said, 'My dad was quite a private person, so for us to share his experience with his mental health, and our experience of it, it's important to me that we do that to help other people who have gone through similar things. And to start a conversation there and reducing the shame and the stigma that there is around these conversations." (With IANS Inputs) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Graham Thorpe to be honoured during fifth Test with ‘Day for Thorpey'
Graham Thorpe will be honoured during England's fifth Test against India at The Oval on what would have been his 56th birthday. Thorpe took his own life on August 4 last year – three days after his 55th birthday – following a prolonged struggle with depression and anxiety. The stylish left-handed batter – who scored 6,744 Test runs at an average of 44.66 and became one of only 17 men to reach 100 Test caps for England – was survived by wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma, who are now raising money for mental health charity Mind. The family also wish to 'celebrate his memory' on 'A Day for Thorpey' on the second day of the England-India Test at The Kia Oval, home of Thorpe's former county Surrey where he played for 17 years between 1988 and 2005. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Amanda said: 'That day will be very powerful. We want to celebrate him and his memory. His light was so bright. 'We're heartbroken. People would say 'don't feel guilty, you did everything you could' and, of course, we did. But I do feel guilty. 'We looked at some videos of Graham happy on holiday, for the first time the other day I couldn't do it. But then I don't want to remember all his suffering and how he was. The family of Graham Thorpe want to "celebrate his memory" on 'A Day for Thorpey' during England's fifth Test against India at The Oval. The cricketer died by suicide after a prolonged struggle with depression, and his wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma told #BBCBreakfast … — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) July 21, 2025 'I want to remember and celebrate Graham, so grateful to have had 20-plus odd years with him. We just move forward, but I definitely want to help. 'I still don't really understand it. How did it happen to Graham? But it can happen to anyone.' Thorpe held coaching roles with Surrey and England after his playing career. He was part of the England staff during the taxing 2021-22 Ashes in Australia, played under Covid restrictions – which Amanda said he found 'tough' – and was let go after the tourists lost the series 4-0. Thorpe was named head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022, then made a first attempt on his life in May of the same year and subsequently spent a prolonged period in intensive care. 'Over the years it worsened, until he couldn't get out of bed,' Kitty said. 'It was impossible not to notice his spark and whole personality changed over time to almost unrecognisable. It was awful to see. What started as a mental illness turned into a physical illness. 'Over two years he aged about 15 years. He looked really weak. He found the most easy, menial tasks so challenging, like making a meal or walking the dog. He started struggling to even do that. He lost his strength. 'We tried many different treatments, but nothing worked for him. Thorpe wore a trademark headband while batting, and headbands designed by the family and costing £5 will be sold to raise money for Mind. Amanda visited a 'Bat and Chat' session in Burton-upon-Trent, an initiative from Mind designed to support mental health through cricket. The sessions are to be renamed 'Thorpey's Bat and Chat' and funds raised from the day at The Oval will be used to roll them out across the country. Surrey chair Oli Slipper said: 'Amanda and the family have spoken very bravely about the difficult times that Graham experienced with his mental health and we hope that the Day for Thorpey will raise awareness and funds to help people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.'
