Graham Thorpe attempted to take his own life in 2022 while battling ‘depression and anxiety’, his grieving wife has revealed.
Yesterday, his wife Amanda opened up about how at times her husband’s condition was ‘very severe’ and a ‘serious attempt on his life’ two years ago ‘resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive-care unit’.
She bravely revealed the batsman had struggled with his mental health and that he had been living with ‘major depression and anxiety’.
The cricket legend died earlier this month on August 4, aged 55, after being hit by a train close to his home in Surrey having believed his family would be ‘better off without him’.
The widow said he had become ‘so unwell in recent times’ as she said: ‘We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.’
The bereft family has been widely praised for their ‘incredible strength’ and courage in revealing he had taken his own life with hopes it could encourage others struggling to reach out for help.
Graham Thorpe attempted to take his own life in 2022 while battling ‘ depression and anxiety’, his grieving wife Amanda (pictured) has revealed
The left-handed Surrey batsman was a talisman for England and hero for many who grew up watching cricket in the 1990s (Pictured here in March 2002 after reaching a double century in a test match against New Zealand)
Thorpe with his wife Amanda, their two daughters Kitty, now 22, and Emma, now 19, and his parents at Wrecclesham Village Fete in Surrey in 2016
Speaking to The Times she said: ‘Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe.
‘We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.
‘Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.’
The left-handed Surrey batsman was a talisman for England and hero for many who grew up watching cricket in the 1990s.
An inquest into his death opens today in Woking.
His wife Amanda confirmed that the father of four had previously tried to kill himself in May 2022, but despite being seriously ill in hospital made a recovery.
The following month, Ben Stokes wore a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and his cap number of 564 ahead of his first Test as permanent captain against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Further tributes poured in from the sport from those he played under, alongside, against or coached following the revelation from his second wife and daughters Kitty, 22, and Emma, 19, that he had suffered from poor mental health for some time.
Graham Thorpe’s family were praised for speaking out about mental health after his death
The former England batsman took his own life on August 4 after struggling with depression
Sam Billings hailed the ‘incredible strength’ shown by Thorpe’s family in the wake of his death
His former England coach David Lloyd said: ‘News of how Graham’s life ended only increases the sense of sadness. He was a troubled soul.
‘As a player he was revered by his team-mates and he was extremely cricket savvy, knowing how to adapt to any situation. For these reasons, he was the cricketer’s cricketer.’
Sam Billings, who worked under Thorpe’s coaching as an England player, added: ‘Heartbreaking. Thinking of Amanda, Kitty and Emma. Incredible strength to talk about this and spread awareness. Thorpey you’ll be sorely missed mate, I cannot thank you enough for the influence and impact you had on me.’
Darren Lehmann, an Australian opponent of Thorpe during his 100-Test career, sent on a message from down under: ‘Thank you for sharing your story the Thorpe family, I hope it helps others out there. He was a wonderful man and mental illness is real and happens in many different ways.’
His two daughters revealed that he rarely spoke about his legendary status as a sportsman – telling them ‘he knocked a ball about a bit’ – and how he loved his family and would ‘get up and dance anywhere, to anything’.
His legacy will be a foundation in his memory, with Kitty saying: ‘We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma.’
Ben Stokes donned a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and cap number ahead of England’s Test against New Zealand
England batting coach Graham Thorpe and Joe Root on August 20, 2019
Graham Thorpe with his first wife Nicola and eldest son, Henry, at Heathrow Airport after returning from England’s tour of New Zealand in 1997
Graham Gooch soaks Graham Thorpe with champagne after his century on debut against Australia
England legend Graham Thorpe took his own life, his family has revealed
Graham Thorpe (right) and Alec Stewart of England come off the field carrying their helmets gloves and bats after recording a 150 partnership on the fourth day of the second test match against Zimbabwe
Samaritans chief executive Julie Bentley echoed those sentiments, when she said: ‘Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and unfortunately we know that one in five people will struggle with suicidal thoughts in their lifetimes, but many people face this struggle in silence.
‘It’s really important to have open and honest conversations about the topic of suicide as we know it can save lives.
‘Talking openly can help to break the stigma surrounding the subject and can encourage people who are struggling to get the vital support they need.’
For confidential support call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
