The son of the renowned England cricket figure Graham Thorpe has shared about a supportive message he received from the admired Gareth Southgate following his father’s tragic passing in 2024. Thorpe, who sadly took his own life, was 55 years old at the time, just two years after leaving his role as an assistant coach for the England cricket team. Henry, his son, has expressed the challenges he faced in coping with his father’s death.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Henry disclosed that it took him six months to learn the full circumstances of his father’s passing. He described how he struggled emotionally and found himself in a dark place afterward. However, he highlighted how a heartfelt message from Gareth Southgate during a difficult moment provided him with much-needed support.
Henry recalled a significant encounter with Southgate at his father’s event at the Oval, where despite feeling distressed, he refrained from speaking to him initially. Later on, he reached out to Southgate via LinkedIn, and to his surprise, received a lengthy email response offering support and connections to others. Henry expressed admiration for Southgate’s leadership qualities and the positive impact of his gesture during a challenging time.
Following his father’s death, Henry made the decision to leave his job at M&C Saatchi Merlin. Despite the emotional toll of the loss, he gained a fresh perspective on his father’s career and accomplishments. Reflecting on the complexities of grief and the unique circumstances of his father’s death, Henry shared a mix of emotions including anger, pride, and sadness.
Graham Thorpe was a prominent figure in English cricket, representing the national team from 1993 to 2005 and achieving 16 test centuries during his career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and was set to lead the Afghanistan team in 2022 before falling ill.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org. Visit the Samaritans website or a local branch for assistance.