Graham Thorpe's wife has heartbreakingly revealed the England cricket icon took his own life following a battle with depression and anxiety.
Thorpe's death was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board on August 5.
His wife, Amanda, has now told The Times that Thorpe took his own life. She said: "Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.
"He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life”.
England cricket icon Graham Thorpe died at the age of 55 earlier this month
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A ceremony was held on Saturday in Farnham to remember Thorpe.
The England icon spent 17 years playing his club cricket for Surrey and earned 100 Test caps for his country.
A minute's silence was held before Farnham Cricket Club's fixture against Chipstead Cricket Club as a mark of respect.
Amanda revealed that her husband's depression and anxiety battle was 'very severe' and says he previously attempted to take his own life in May 2022.
"For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety," she said.
"This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit.
"Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe.
"We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.
"Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health.
"But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone."
Thorpe's daughter, Kitty, says they're eager to raise awareness.
“We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma," she said.
Graham Thorpe (pictured right) established himself as an England cricket icon during his time in the sport
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"We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing.
"This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is.
"We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”
The ECB paid tribute to Thorpe after his death, saying he was one of England's 'finest-ever batters' and a 'beloved member of the cricket family'.
Tributes to Graham Thorpe have poured in following his death at the age of 55
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"Later, as a coach, he guided the best England Men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game.
"The cricket world is in mourning today.
"Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.
"We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
