image credit by instagram@mandalabra
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda has bravely spoken about her husband’s final weeks during a devastating inquest. The former England cricket star asked his wife to help him end his life before his tragic death. Amanda’s testimony revealed the depth of Graham’s suffering during his battle with depression and anxiety.
Amanda Thorpe’s Emotional Inquest Testimony
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda courageously faced Surrey Coroner’s Court to share intimate details about her husband’s final days. She revealed that Graham told her “he doesn’t want to be here any more” during their last conversations. The devastating testimony highlighted the cricket legend’s desperate state of mind.
Amanda described how Graham explicitly asked her to help him die by travelling to Switzerland. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda found herself in an impossible situation, torn between supporting her husband and protecting him. Her emotional testimony moved everyone present in the courtroom during the three-day inquest.
The court heard how Graham apologised to everyone affected by the leaked Australia tour video. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda explained that he felt “distraught, horrified, ashamed, terrified” about the incident. The leaked footage showed him filming a police intervention during a drinking session with England and Australian players.
Marriage and Family Life Together
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda first met the cricket star at a benefit function for Surrey teammate Ali Brown. Their relationship blossomed after Graham’s difficult divorce from his first wife Nicola in 2001. The couple had a child together in August 2005 before marrying in 2007.
Amanda brought her daughter from a previous marriage into their blended family. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda described Graham as her “best friend and soulmate” throughout their relationship. She praised his humorous side, noting his talent for different accents and after-dinner speaking abilities.
The family lived through Graham’s cricket coaching career with England from 2010 onwards. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda supported him through various tours and the pressures of international cricket. She witnessed his increasing anxiety during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period.
Impact of Job Loss on Mental Health
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda identified the loss of Graham’s England coaching position as the beginning of his mental decline. The England and Wales Cricket Board dismissed him following the controversial Australia tour in 2022. Amanda believed this decision was “foreseeable” to cause significant psychological damage.
She told the inquest that Graham “came back from the tour of Australia in such a terrible state”. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda watched helplessly as her husband spiralled into depression following his dismissal. The leaked video incident had caused what Graham’s father called “catastrophic damage” to his reputation.
The ECB’s decision shocked Graham deeply, according to Amanda’s testimony. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda questioned whether Graham should have been advised against participating in the Australia tour. She believed he wasn’t fully aware of his deteriorating mental health condition at the time.
Previous Suicide Attempt and Recovery
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda revealed that Graham had previously attempted suicide in May 2022. He spent three weeks unconscious in intensive care following this first attempt. The family hoped this experience would mark a turning point in his recovery journey.
Despite extensive medical support and therapy, Graham continued experiencing suicidal thoughts. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda described feeling scared alongside her husband during his darkest moments. She tried reaching out to every available support system for professional help.
The couple received an appointment letter for mental health services scheduled a month later. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda questioned “how ill do you have to be?” when facing such delays. The timing highlighted systematic failures in mental health care provision.
Coroner’s Findings on Care Failures
The inquest revealed significant shortcomings in Graham’s mental health care during his final months. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda’s testimony contributed to Coroner Jonathan Stevens’ findings about inadequate support. Healthcare professionals hadn’t seen Graham face-to-face since March 2024.
Dr Burgul acknowledged that a home visit would have been “clinically appropriate” following the June telephone consultation. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda had explicitly told care coordinator Katie Johnson about Graham’s requests for assisted dying. However, medical professionals didn’t classify this as a crisis situation.
The coroner concluded that while care shortcomings existed, they didn’t constitute gross misconduct. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda’s evidence highlighted systematic failures in mental health service delivery. The findings raise important questions about crisis intervention protocols.
Day for Thorpey Memorial Campaign
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda has channelled her grief into positive action through the “Day for Thorpey” campaign. She worked with daughters Kitty and Emma to design commemorative headbands featuring Graham’s trademark GT inscription. The initiative aims to reduce mental health stigma whilst honouring Graham’s memory.
The family chose The Oval for their memorial event during the England-India Test match. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda selected August 1st, which would have been Graham’s 56th birthday. The venue holds special significance as Graham’s home ground during his Surrey playing career.
Proceeds from headband sales support Mind, the mental health charity. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda visited “Bat and Chat” sessions in Burton-upon-Trent to promote the initiative. The sessions will be renamed “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat” using funds raised from the memorial day.
Breaking Mental Health Taboos
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda advocates for open discussions about suicide and mental health challenges. Daughter Kitty emphasised that “death and grief in general isn’t talked about enough” in modern society. The family believes honest conversations can reduce harmful stigma surrounding mental illness.
Amanda described Graham’s condition as potentially involving a “chemical imbalance” in his brain. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda stressed that Graham “tried so hard to beat it” through various therapies and medications. Her words challenge misconceptions about mental illness being a choice or weakness.
The family’s public campaign demonstrates remarkable courage in sharing their private tragedy. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda hopes their openness will encourage others to seek help earlier. Their advocacy work transforms personal loss into meaningful social change.
Looking Forward with Graham’s Legacy
Graham Thorpe wife Amanda continues celebrating her husband’s cricketing achievements whilst acknowledging his struggles. She regularly watches video highlights of his batting performances with family members. The memories provide comfort during the ongoing grieving process.
The coroner’s inquest concluded with recommendations for improved mental health care protocols. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda’s testimony proved crucial in identifying systemic failures. Her bravery in sharing intimate details may prevent similar tragedies in future cases.
Amanda faces the future knowing that Graham’s “light was so bright” and will continue inspiring others. Graham Thorpe wife Amanda transforms unimaginable loss into hope for better mental health support systems. Her advocacy ensures Graham’s legacy extends far beyond cricket statistics
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