by Graham Thorpe attempted to take his own life in 2022 while battling “depression and anxiety,” his grieving wife revealed.
Yesterday, his wife Amanda said her husband’s condition had been “very serious” at times and that a “serious attempt on his life” two years ago had “led to a lengthy stay in intensive care.”
She bravely admitted that the batsman had mental health problems and was suffering from “severe depression and anxiety.”
The cricket legend died earlier this month on August 4 at the age of 55 after being hit by a train near her home in Surrey because she believed his family would be “better off without him”.
The widow said he had been “so unwell recently” and said: “We are devastated that he acted like this and took his own life.”
The grieving family were widely praised for their “incredible strength” and courage in announcing his suicide, in the hope that it might encourage others in distress to seek help.
Graham Thorpe attempted to take his own life in 2022 while battling “depression and anxiety”, his grieving wife Amanda (pictured) revealed
The left-handed batsman from Surrey was a talisman for England and a hero to many who grew up watching cricket in the 1990s (pictured here in March 2002 after scoring 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 the Wrecclesham Village Fete in Surrey in 2016
She told The Times: “Despite some glimmers of hope and despite memories of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times were 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 known as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real illness and can affect anyone. Even though he had a wife and two daughters who he loved and who loved him, he was not getting better.”
The left-handed batsman from Surrey was a talisman for England and a hero to many who grew up watching cricket in the 1990s.
The inquest into his death begins today in Woking.
His wife Amanda confirmed that the father of four had already attempted suicide in May 2022, but recovered despite a serious hospital stay.
The following month, Ben Stokes wore a shirt bearing Thorpe’s name and international number 564 before his first Test as permanent captain against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Further tributes from the sport came from those he had played with, against or coached after his second wife and daughters Kitty, 22, and Emma, 19, revealed that he had suffered from mental health problems for some time.
Graham Thorpe’s family have been praised for speaking openly about mental health following his death
The former England batsman took his own life on August 4 after suffering from depression
Sam Billings praised the “incredible strength” shown by Thorpe’s family after his death
His former England coach David Lloyd said: “The news of how Graham’s life ended only increases my sadness. He was a tortured soul.”
“As a player, he was revered by his teammates and he was an extremely accomplished cricketer who could adapt to any situation. For these reasons, he was the cricketer’s cricketer.”
Sam Billings, who worked under Thorpe’s coach as an England player, added: “This is heartbreaking. I’m thinking of Amanda, Kitty and Emma. It’s incredibly powerful to talk about this and raise awareness. Thorpey, you will be sorely missed mate. I can’t thank you enough for the influence and impact you’ve had on me.”
Darren Lehmann, an Australian opponent of Thorpe during his 100-Test career, sent a message from Down Under: “Thank you to the Thorpe family for sharing your story with us. I hope it helps others out there. He was a wonderful man and mental illness is real and comes in many different forms.”
His two daughters revealed that he rarely spoke about his legendary status as an athlete, telling them that he “played around with the ball a little” and that he loved his family and “would get up and dance, no matter where or to what.”
He will be remembered for his legacy. Kitty said: “We are not ashamed to talk about it. There is nothing to hide and there is no stigma.”
Ben Stokes wore a shirt with Thorpe’s name and number before England’s friendly against New Zealand.
England batting coach Graham Thorpe and Joe Root on 20 August 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 pours champagne over Graham Thorpe after his century on his debut against Australia
English football legend Graham Thorpe has taken his own life, his family announced
England’s Graham Thorpe (right) and Alec Stewart leave the field with helmets, gloves and bats after scoring a partnership of 150 on the fourth day of the second Test match against Zimbabwe.
Julie Bentley, chief executive of the Samaritans, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and sadly we know that one in five people will struggle with suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, but many people remain silent about it.”
“It’s really important to have open and honest conversations about suicide because we know it can save lives.”
“Talking openly can help overcome the stigma that comes with this issue and can give people who are struggling the courage to get the vital support they need.”
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
