The son of the renowned English cricket star Graham Thorpe recently shared a heartfelt story about receiving support from his father’s ‘hero,’ Gareth Southgate, following his father’s tragic passing in 2024. Graham Thorpe, who had taken his own life, was 55 years old at the time of his death, occurring just two years after he was relieved of his duties as the assistant coach of the England cricket team. Henry Thorpe, his son, expressed the challenges he faced in coming to terms with his father’s loss during an interview with The Telegraph. He disclosed that it took him six months to fully grasp the circumstances of his father’s death and admitted to struggling emotionally, feeling as though he had plunged into a dark place.
Recalling a poignant encounter with Gareth Southgate at his father’s remembrance event at the Oval, Henry shared how a subsequent message from Southgate proved to be a source of strength during a difficult period. Southgate’s words of kindness and support, conveyed through a lengthy email, not only provided solace but also facilitated connections with other individuals. This gesture left a profound impact on Henry, who regards Southgate as a personal hero, particularly admiring his leadership qualities and transformative influence.
Following the loss of his father, Henry made the decision to depart from his position at M&C Saatchi Merlin. Despite grappling with the emotional weight of his father’s death, this experience has allowed him to view Graham Thorpe’s career and accomplishments from a fresh perspective. Henry acknowledged the complex emotions that arise from such a tragedy, including feelings of anger, resentment, and sadness, alongside a sense of pride in his father’s legacy.
Graham Thorpe, a distinguished figure in English cricket from 1993 to 2005, amassed an impressive record of 16 test centuries in his 564 appearances for England. Transitioning into coaching post-retirement, he was set to assume the role of head coach for Afghanistan in March 2022 but encountered health complications before commencing his duties.
For those seeking emotional support, the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 is available 24/7, with additional options to connect via email, in person at a branch, or through the Samaritans website.