England cricket legend Graham Thorpe’s son has shared a heartfelt message of support he received from Gareth Southgate following his father’s tragic passing in 2024. Henry Thorpe, who lost his father at the age of 55 after Graham’s suicide, spoke about the difficulty he faced in accepting the loss, especially coming just two years after Graham lost his job as an assistant coach for the England cricket team.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Henry disclosed that it took him six months to learn the full circumstances of his father’s death. He expressed how he struggled emotionally and found himself in a dark place following the devastating event. However, he highlighted the profound impact of a compassionate message from Gareth Southgate, the former England football manager, which provided him with much-needed support during a challenging period.
Recalling a significant encounter at his father’s day at the Oval, Henry shared that despite feeling distressed, Southgate’s subsequent gesture of reaching out through an email of around 500 words was deeply comforting. Southgate not only offered words of kindness but also connected Henry with other individuals who have since provided support. Henry praised Southgate as a personal hero, particularly noting his leadership qualities and transformative influence.
After his father’s death, Henry made the decision to leave his position at M&C Saatchi Merlin. While acknowledging the emotional complexities of dealing with his father’s passing, Henry mentioned that it has given him a new perspective on Graham Thorpe’s career and accomplishments. Reflecting on the challenges of coping with a sudden loss, he expressed a mix of emotions including anger, sadness, and pride in his father’s legacy.
Graham Thorpe, who represented England from 1993 to 2005, achieved significant milestones during his cricket career, including scoring 16 test centuries. Following his playing days, Thorpe transitioned into coaching, being appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022 before falling ill prior to assuming the role.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123, with additional contact options via email, in-person visits, or the Samaritans website.
