Former England cricket player Graham Thorpe tragically took his own life after battling with depression and anxiety exacerbated by his deteriorating health over the past two years, as revealed by his wife Amanda. The 55-year-old passed away on August 5. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced Thorpe’s passing, and now his wife has disclosed in an interview with former England captain Michael Atherton that he had a prolonged struggle with mental and physical health issues before his decision to end his own life.
“Despite having a loving wife and two daughters, he did not find relief,” Thorpe’s wife shared with ‘The Times’.
“Given his recent poor health, he genuinely believed that his family would be better off without him, and it is heartbreaking that he acted on those thoughts and took his own life.” A tribute ceremony was held before a match between Farnham Cricket Club and Chipstead Cricket Club last Saturday in memory of Thorpe, attended by his wife and their daughters Kitty (22) and Emma (19).
“In the last couple of years, Graham battled severe depression and anxiety. This culminated in a suicide attempt in May 2022, following which he spent a considerable time in intensive care,” she revealed.
His wife shared that despite efforts to seek help, Thorpe continued to struggle.
“Despite occasional glimpses of his former self, Graham persisted in battling depression and anxiety, which sometimes became severe. Our family supported him through his journey, and he tried numerous treatments, but sadly, none seemed to provide lasting relief,” she said.
The family is now contemplating establishing a foundation in his honor, as per the report.
Thorpe’s daughter Kitty noted that he was “no longer the same person” and felt trapped with no way out.
“He cherished life and his family, but he felt trapped with no solution. It was heart-wrenching to witness his withdrawal,” she expressed.
“Seeing him trapped in his own body was surreal. That’s why we appreciate that most memories of him focus on his life before his illness took over.
“I’m grateful that he is remembered in that light, as the vibrant personality he truly was,” Kitty added.
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