Mind and Surrey County Cricket Club have today announced the return of Day for Thorpey, the annual fundraising initiative honouring the life and legacy of cricket legend Graham Thorpe.
The second edition will take place on day three of the second men’s Test Match between England and New Zealand (June 19) at the Kia Oval, during the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy series.
The day will raise vital funds for Thorpey’s Bat & Chat Programme, giving people with mental health problems the chance to get active, build friendships, and develop vital self-care skills through the power of cricket. Last year’s inaugural event also raised over £170,000.
The 12-week Bat & Chat programme uses cricket to bring people together and create supportive spaces where people can talk openly about their mental health. The programme is being delivered by 10 local Minds in partnership with cricket clubs and county cricket foundations.
The 2026 event will once again bring together the cricket and mental health communities to celebrate Graham Thorpe’s enduring influence on and off the pitch, while continuing to raise awareness of the importance of mental health support and early conversations.
The event will also see the return of the iconic headbands depicting Graham’s unmistakeable silhouette which will be on sale at the Kia Oval on June 19, via the Mind website (from June X) and at a number of county grounds across the country (June 19). All money raised from the sale of the headbands will go towards funding future Bat and Chat Programmes.
A Bat and Chat participant, who has asked to stay anonymous, said:
“I’ve been struggling with my mental health for many years I was sceptical about taking part as I’m not sporty and haven’t picked up a bat since school. The sessions have been really fun, and the coach has had us laughing every week. We’ve also had some good chats in the group after and learnt some new ways to deal with things.”
Amanda Thorpe, wife of Graham Thorpe, said:
“The response to the first Day for Thorpey was deeply moving for our family. To see Graham’s love of cricket become something that helps people connect, talk and feel less alone means a huge amount to us.
“The growth of the Bat & Chat programme is exactly the kind of legacy we hoped could come from the day. We’re so grateful to everyone at Mind, Surrey County Cricket Club and across the cricket community for continuing to make that possible.”
Henry Thorpe, Graham’s son who is helping to run the Bat and Chat programme at the Kia Oval, said:
“Being able to see the impact of the work we are doing at Bat and Chat first hand has been incredible. Cricket is a very special sport and to be able to help honour my Dad’s legacy by working with an amazing group of people to build connections, share energy and create a fantastic community is a really brilliant thing.
“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, Chair at Surrey County Cricket Club, said:
“Thorpey is a legend of Surrey and England cricket and this is such a fitting way for his legacy to endure. The way the cricket family responded last summer was incredibly moving and to see how the funds raised are having a real impact in Thorpey’s name is befitting of the great man.
“This summer, we’re looking to build on the success of last year and we’re calling on people across the country to celebrate the legacy of Thorpey which is also having an impact across the country through the Bat and Chat sessions.”
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“Too many people experiencing mental health problems still face isolation and feel unable to reach out for support. Thorpey’s Bat and Chat programme is helping change that by creating welcoming local spaces built around connection, community and conversation.
“The legacy of A Day for Thorpey shows what can happen when sport and mental health organisations come together with a shared purpose. We are enormously grateful to Amanda and all the Thorpe family, Surrey County Cricket Club and everyone involved for helping us continue this important work.”
Further details about Day for Thorpey, including match information, fundraising activity and opportunities to support Mind’s work, will be announced in due course.
