Graham Thorpe, a legendary batter and former captain of the England cricket team, is being remembered through a special event titled “A Day for Thorpey.” This event takes place on the second day of the fifth Test match at The Oval, serving both as a tribute to Thorpe’s remarkable legacy and as a platform to raise awareness for men’s mental health issues.
Thorpe, who sadly died by suicide last year, struggled with his mental health including depression and anxiety since childhood. His struggles highlight the importance of mental health awareness, especially among men. The goal of this event is to continue to push the importance of this cause forward. Alec Stewart, a former teammate of the charismatic Thorpe, recalled his memories of the late cricketer. He joined BBC Sport’s Isa Guha to discuss just how influential Thorpe was in English cricket.
Stewart praised Thorpe’s indomitable spirit in and out of the ring. He remembered clips that really showed off Thorpe’s historic prowess as a hitter and his historic fortitude as a human being. “Graham was a fighter,” Stewart said, remembering Thorpe’s impact on the game and the effect he had on his teammates. More than any accolade, the love and friendship developed among the teammates in their one season together was a highlight for Stewart.
The upcoming event, “A Day for Thorpey,” is sure to bring cricket lovers and mental health supporters together. It aims to facilitate discussions around the often-taboo topic of mental health among men, encouraging open dialogue and support within communities. In many ways the organizers pay tribute to Thorpe’s legacy. They hope to encourage others who have encountered the same obstacles to get treatment and tell their stories.
His legacy goes much further than Graham Thorpe’s success are his England batting stats. And through his involvement in so many landmark wins, he gained the admiration and respect of fellow advocates, allies, and fans. It was his leadership qualities which really shone through as England captain. He was the epitome of hustle and love for the game on every field.
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