The son of the renowned England cricket figure, Graham Thorpe, has shared a touching story about receiving support from his ‘hero,’ Gareth Southgate, following his father’s tragic death in 2024. Thorpe, who sadly took his own life, was 55 years old at the time, just two years after departing from his role as an assistant coach for the England cricket team. Reflecting on his father’s passing, Henry Thorpe revealed in an interview with The Telegraph that it took him six months to learn the full details of his father’s death, and he admitted to struggling emotionally, feeling like he was in a dark place.
However, a heartfelt message from Gareth Southgate proved to be a beacon of light during this challenging period. Henry recounted an encounter with Southgate at his father’s event, where he struggled to engage in conversation. Months later, he reached out to Southgate via LinkedIn, never expecting a response. To his surprise, Southgate replied with a supportive email, offering guidance and connecting him with others for support.
Following his father’s passing, Henry made the decision to leave his job at M&C Saatchi Merlin. Despite the emotional turmoil, Henry gained a new perspective on his father’s career and accomplishments, acknowledging the complexity of dealing with a suicide death and expressing a mix of emotions, including pride in his father’s legacy.
Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer who represented the national team from 1993 to 2005, left a remarkable mark with 16 test centuries during his tenure. Transitioning into coaching post-retirement, Thorpe was set to lead Afghanistan as head coach in 2022 but faced health challenges before assuming the position.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans provide a 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email support at jo@samaritans.org, in-person branch visits, or online assistance through their website.
