Mind has announced “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat”, a new mental health programme in memory of England and Surrey cricketer, Graham Thorpe, writes Tom Appleby…
The programme has been funded by “A Day for Thorpey” at the Kia Oval during the England v India Test Match last summer.
The event raised over £170,000 in celebration of Thorpe’s life, who died by suicide in 2024 aged 55.
The funds will continue Thorpe’s legacy and support ten of the “Thorpey’s Bat and Chat” programmes across the country this year.
The initiative features cricket activities and games, opportunities to meet new people, and supportive discussions to promote wellbeing and positive mental health.
It is supported by mental health charity, Mind, Surrey County Cricket Club and the Thorpe family.
Graham’s wife, Amanda Thorpe, said: “We want to celebrate Graham and his memory, as well as remove some of the stigma around mental health, especially for men.
“One of the participants told me it was the reason they got out of bed in the morning. That is very powerful.
“We are so pleased to see the roll-out of Thorpey’s Bat and Chat sessions around the country and would really encourage you to give it a go if you’re struggling with your mental health.”
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One of the coaches at the sessions will be Graham’s son, Henry, who works at the Surrey CCC Academy.
Surrey County Cricket Club chair, Oli Slipper said: “We’re incredibly grateful to all supporters who have raised a phenomenal amount of money for Mind to ensure that Thorpey’s Bat and Chat can be rolled out around the country to support people’s mental health through cricket.
Thorpey’s legacy on the pitch is well documented, and we hope that the awareness and funds raised by his family will ensure that his legacy off the pitch matches it.”
Participants do not need to have cricket played before to attend, but must be 18 years old or over.
