The son of the renowned England cricket figure, Graham Thorpe, recently shared a touching story about receiving support from his ‘hero,’ Gareth Southgate, following his father’s tragic passing in 2024. Thorpe, aged 55, succumbed to his own life just two years after stepping down from his role as England’s assistant coach, leaving his son Henry grappling with the loss.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Henry disclosed that it took him six months to uncover the true circumstances of his father’s death. He admitted to struggling and feeling lost in a dark place after learning the details. However, a heartfelt message from Gareth Southgate proved to be a beacon of light during this challenging period.
Recalling a poignant encounter at his dad’s day at the Oval, Henry shared how Southgate’s supportive email, which followed a message he sent on LinkedIn, provided solace and connected him with valuable contacts. Henry expressed admiration for Southgate’s leadership qualities, considering him a genuine hero.
Following his father’s demise, Henry decided to leave his position at M&C Saatchi Merlin. Despite the emotional turmoil, he gained a newfound perspective on his father’s legacy and accomplishments, acknowledging the complexities of dealing with a high-profile suicide.
Thorpe, a former England cricketer from 1993 to 2005, left a remarkable legacy with 16 test centuries in his career. Transitioning into coaching post-retirement, Thorpe was set to lead Afghanistan in 2022 but fell ill before assuming the role.
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