Marcus Hook’s Surrey CCC column: Depression doesn’t discriminate – it can hit anyone, no matter how famous or successful

Following the death of Graham Thorpe, it’s even more heartbreaking to learn he ended his own life.

His wife Amanda said in an interview with the former England skipper Mike Atherton: “He had loved life and he loved us, but he just couldn’t see a way out.”

It was revealed in the interview that Thorpe had attempted suicide two years ago, which resulted in a prolonged stay in intensive care.

“Graham was renowned as someone who was mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health, but mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone,” added Amanda.

Depression doesn’t discriminate. It can hit anyone, no matter how famous or how big their profile.

I’ll never forget where I was, 13 years ago, when I heard about the footballer Gary Speed, having only just seen him on TV the day before.

Atherton wrote that Graham’s family don’t want his life defined by his suicide, adding, touchingly: “There was far, far more to him than that.”

Thorpey gave us so many memories to cherish, particularly the occasions when he was in a class of his own, putting runs on the board when guys at the other end could barely lay bat on ball.

In the last week, his former Surrey team-mates Mark Butcher and Adam Hollioake have given their reflections.

Hollioake, who lost his brother Ben to a car accident in 2002, said of Thorpe: “At that time we bonded, 100 per cent. Cricket became an escape from what was going on in our private lives.

“We had a bunch of strong characters [at Surrey]. I captained a team of big personalities, but that’s what you need to win games of cricket.

“Give me 11 accountants who do everything I say, you ain’t going to win much. You need people who are a bit left-field, a bit rogue.

“Thorpey was my favourite person to bat with. He and Azhar Mahmood were the guys I had some incredible partnerships with, albeit they might not be in the record books as massive ones.”

But seeing Butch being interviewed on Sky, clearly distraught, brought tears to my eyes.

“He was a hero to me,” said Butcher. “I learnt an incredible amount from him as a player, but also as a friend and I’m devastated. I just hope that he’s in a better place now, that’s all.”

I think we can all echo that and my thoughts are certainly with everyone who played with Thorpey, but particularly with his family, who must be going through hell right now.

In terms of cricket, which feels almost irrelevant, Surrey, despite their showing, can take many positives from the One-Day Cup.

Josh Blake and Ollie Sykes’ magnificent partnership in the victory over Essex was the highlight.

They grabbed the chance to showcase their skills with both hands, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re given further first-team opportunities before the season is out.

Blake, who scored a century and two fifties in the 50-over competition, is a real scrapper.

At 19, Sykes looks a really exciting prospect. It’s early days, but it’s clear from his 115 runs in three innings that Surrey have unearthed another gem.

PICTURE: PA