Thorpe memorial day to return to Kia Oval

A fundraising day in memory of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe will return to the Kia Oval later this month.

Day for Thorpey will take place on 19 June during the second Test match between England and New Zealand, with money raised supporting people's mental health through a cricket-based programme.

The event, organised by mental health charity Mind and Surrey County Cricket Club, will raise funds for the Bat & Chat programme, which helps people build friendships and improve self-care through the sport.

Organisers said last year's inaugural event raised more than £170,000. Thorpe died in Esher, Surrey, in 2024.

The Bat & Chat programme runs for 12 weeks and is delivered by local branches of Mind in partnership with cricket clubs.

Participants join cricket sessions and can talk in a supportive environment.

Amanda Thorpe, the late cricketer's widow, said it was "deeply moving" to see his love of cricket helping people "connect, talk and feel less alone".

His son Henry Thorpe said: "To have a second Day for Thorpey, where we will aim to raise more money to continue and hopefully expand this work, is awesome."

Oli Slipper, Surrey County Cricket Club chairman, said the initiative was "a fitting way for his legacy to endure".

Mind's chief executive Dr Sarah Hughes said the programme was helping tackle isolation by creating "welcoming local spaces built around connection, community and conversation".

Further details about the event will be announced in due course.

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