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Powys County Times
3 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Graham Thorpe to be honoured during fifth Test with ‘Day for Thorpey'
Graham Thorpe will be honoured during England's fifth Test against India at The Oval on what would have been his 56th birthday. Thorpe took his own life on August 4 last year – three days after his 55th birthday – following a prolonged struggle with depression and anxiety. The stylish left-handed batter – who scored 6,744 Test runs at an average of 44.66 and became one of only 17 men to reach 100 Test caps for England – was survived by wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma, who are now raising money for mental health charity Mind. The family also wish to 'celebrate his memory' on 'A Day for Thorpey' on the second day of the England-India Test at The Kia Oval, home of Thorpe's former county Surrey where he played for 17 years between 1988 and 2005. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Amanda said: 'That day will be very powerful. We want to celebrate him and his memory. His light was so bright. 'We're heartbroken. People would say 'don't feel guilty, you did everything you could' and, of course, we did. But I do feel guilty. 'We looked at some videos of Graham happy on holiday, for the first time the other day I couldn't do it. But then I don't want to remember all his suffering and how he was. The family of Graham Thorpe want to "celebrate his memory" on 'A Day for Thorpey' during England's fifth Test against India at The Oval. The cricketer died by suicide after a prolonged struggle with depression, and his wife Amanda and daughters Kitty and Emma told #BBCBreakfast … — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) July 21, 2025 'I want to remember and celebrate Graham, so grateful to have had 20-plus odd years with him. We just move forward, but I definitely want to help. 'I still don't really understand it. How did it happen to Graham? But it can happen to anyone.' Thorpe held coaching roles with Surrey and England after his playing career. He was part of the England staff during the taxing 2021-22 Ashes in Australia, played under Covid restrictions – which Amanda said he found 'tough' – and was let go after the tourists lost the series 4-0. Thorpe was named head coach of Afghanistan in March 2022, then made a first attempt on his life in May of the same year and subsequently spent a prolonged period in intensive care. 'Over the years it worsened, until he couldn't get out of bed,' Kitty said. 'It was impossible not to notice his spark and whole personality changed over time to almost unrecognisable. It was awful to see. What started as a mental illness turned into a physical illness. 'Over two years he aged about 15 years. He looked really weak. He found the most easy, menial tasks so challenging, like making a meal or walking the dog. He started struggling to even do that. He lost his strength. 'We tried many different treatments, but nothing worked for him. Thorpe wore a trademark headband while batting, and headbands designed by the family and costing £5 will be sold to raise money for Mind. Amanda visited a 'Bat and Chat' session in Burton-upon-Trent, an initiative from Mind designed to support mental health through cricket. The sessions are to be renamed 'Thorpey's Bat and Chat' and funds raised from the day at The Oval will be used to roll them out across the country. Surrey chair Oli Slipper said: 'Amanda and the family have spoken very bravely about the difficult times that Graham experienced with his mental health and we hope that the Day for Thorpey will raise awareness and funds to help people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.'


The Independent
3 minutes ago
- The Independent
England handed further boost with Leah Williamson injury update before Euro 2025 semi-final
England captain Leah Williamson is set to be in contention to start Tuesday's Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy after recovering from an ankle injury. Williamson was forced off after rolling her ankle during the quarter-final win over Sweden but was involved in the first 15 minutes of open training in Zurich on Monday. All of Sarina Wiegman's squad of 23 took part in the session following the gruelling penalty shoot-out win over Sweden, including Lucy Bronze and Lauren James, who appeared to be limping afterwards. Defender Jess Carter, who announced on Sunday that she would be taking a step back from social media as a result of the 'vile' racist abuse she has received throughout the tournament, was also involved in training. England travel to Geneva later on Monday ahead of their semi-final against Italy. The holders are bidding to return to the Euros final, where either Germany or Spain will await on Sunday, while Italy are playing their first semi-final since 1997.


The Independent
3 minutes ago
- The Independent
Wales appoint Steve Tandy as new head coach
Wales have appointed Steve Tandy as their new head coach. The 45-year-old Welshman will become the permanent successor to Warren Gatland on September 1 following almost six years as Scotland's defence coach. Tandy is tasked with reviving his country's fortunes after their record 18-match losing run finally ended on July 12 with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe. His first match in charge will be on Sunday, November 9 against Argentina in Cardiff, which will be followed by meetings with Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa on the following three weekends. 'Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,' said Tandy, who will lead Wales into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. 'I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world. 'I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have.' Gatland's second spell as Wales boss ended in February on the back of a 22-15 defeat to Italy in the second round of this year's Six Nations. Matt Sherratt took over on a temporary basis and oversaw defeats to Ireland, Scotland and England before leading this summer's two-match tour of Japan, which began on July 5 with a 24-19 loss in Kitakyushu. Tonmawr-born Tandy was head coach of Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, which included winning the PRO12 title in his first season, before serving as defence coach for Australian side the Waratahs. The former flanker was also part of Gatland's backroom staff for the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa in 2021. Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney said: 'After a thorough and detailed appointment process, Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job. 'This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men's side. 'Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman . 'Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.'