When Graeme Fowler, the former England and Lancashire player, spoke at the annual dinner of the then ACA Grades at the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen in November 2007, his address was considered at the time to be one of most entertaining of recent years.
Fowler, an opening batsmen, capped 21 times by his country, nurdled his way through his presentation about his time at the top of the English game with a skill, and humour, not always present in previous speakers, while sensitively, and bravely referring to his battle with mental issues.
He even managed to make light of the comments made by Sir Ian Botham, now Lord Botham, who had written the foreword for Fowler’s book ”Fox on the Run” in which he said the Lancashire batsman and occasional wicket keeper should ”get a grip.”
All very funny, and a big joke to be enjoyed by all and sundry in the game.
Nine years later at another Grades dinner but at the Westhill Inn, another left handed England player this time from Surrey was the guest of the now 140 year old association, and while his tales of his remarkable 100 cap career were less humorous than those of Fowler, Graham Thorpe’s contribution was well received by the large turnout of members from North East clubs.
Thorpe came across as a serious but very likeable young man who we now know was haunted by the similar demons, suffered by his colleague and Lancashire friend, leading to him taking his own life earlier this month.
Right from the top of the game to the grassroots, including North East cricketers there was shock and sadness at these two outstanding sportsmen had to suffer such indignities.
It should therefore come as no surprise to hear that research has suggested cricketers are more vulnerable than other sports players, and more likely to commit suicide. There have in fact been examples in the local game, but sensitivity demands they not be named, suffice to say there are North East charities and schemes designed to raise funds to help.
I am happy to say there is one such fundraiser here in Ellon where I live, promoted by local pub owners Martin and Kerry Smith who have been raising money through a chat show held in their town centre pub the ”Tolbooth.”
It has been my great privilege to compere these Thursday night sessions, which have seen some well known North East chat about their careers, including footballers Joey Harper, Colin Grant and Ian Taylor, while three local ladies who have been capped by their country were a huge hit two years ago. Michelle Thomson(Golf), Emma Wassell(Rugby), and Fiona Campbell(Cricket) all did their chosen disciplines proud, as did the indomitable former Ryder Cup player Harry Bannerman.
Iain Slater represented the pop industry, while rugby writer and editor David Barnes kept the group up to speed on the oval ball.
Martin Smith is known to be keen to keep the inititative going probably under a younger, fitter compere but said:”We were badly blown off course by Covid but I like to think we will be back in business this coming winter. It’s vital we recognise the extent of the problem, while raising money to tackle the many sad tales, surrounding mental health.”
So while we mourn the passing of Graham Thorpe, we can celebrate still having Graeme Fowler who may yet make an even bigger contribution to the game he graced. His bid to raise awareness of the problem does him great credit, underlined by his second book ”Absolutely Foxed.”
North East cricket in the meantime can only be delighted to have known both Fowler and Thorpe.