Credit: BCCI/ECB/Google
Graham Thorpe was an English cricketer who played as a batsman for the national team for years. He represented England in 100 Test matches, and played first-class cricket for Surrey. Thorpe also competed in 82 ODIs including appearances at the 1996 and 1999 World Cups. Thorpe suffered from severe depression and anxiety in the final years of his life, and was admitted to intensive care following a suicide attempt in May 2022. Thorpe then tragically took his own life on August 4, 2024, after a prolonged battle with mental health issues.
The second day of the final test between India and England at The Oval would have been the English batsman’s 56th birthday. However, at the age of 55 last year, Graham was hit by a speeding train. Thorpe’s family later confirmed after a week that the English international had committed suicide due to the mental issues that he had been facing. But now, that day is now going to be celebrated in his memory as the "Day for Thorpey".
"Day for Thorpey" will help raise funds and awareness for the mental health charity Mind
The Surrey CCC took to their social media to announce that the "Day for Thorpey" will be held at The Oval, London, in support of mental health charity Mind, on what would have been Graham's 56th birthday. They have also requested the supporters who will be coming to watch the match to make a purchase of a limited-edition headband, something similar to what Graham Thorpe wore during his playing career. Graham’s family is trying to create awareness about mental health so that other people do not have to face what Graham has had to go through.
Thope’s daughter Kitty in a conversation with BBC Breakfast, said, "I understand Death is 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." Thorpe’s wife Amelia stated that Graham’s light was very bright and his legacy will remain forever. She said that the second day of the last Test will be very powerful and that he and his memory will be celebrated by everyone.
