Debbie Beard and Amanda Thorpe, both of whom lost their husbands to suicide, met for the first time at an event organized by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation. The event aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention in sports by introducing a new nationwide toolkit. The initiative seeks to embed mental health support into the culture of sports, especially in high-pressure environments. Debbie Beard’s husband, Matt Beard, was the former manager of Liverpool Women’s football team. He died in a hospital on 20 September 2025, and while it is believed he took his own life, the full details are still being investigated in an ongoing inquest. Amanda Thorpe’s husband, Graham Thorpe, was a former England and Surrey cricketer who died by suicide in 2024. He had struggled with depression after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, which marked a significant turning point in his mental health. Amanda Thorpe has said she believes her husband might still be alive if he had received more support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after he left his coaching role. The ECB has since acknowledged the tragedy, calling it a "profound tragedy" and a "stark reminder" of the mental health challenges faced by many in sports. Meanwhile, the inquest into Matt Beard’s death was postponed indefinitely, and Burnley Women’s Football Club said they were "aware of an ongoing legal process" and would not comment further. Amanda described how Graham had struggled for up to 18 months before his death, dealing with the isolation and shame that came after losing his job unexpectedly. He had been receiving therapy and medication during his time in coaching but was "blindsided" by the loss of his role. Debbie noted that Matt had also shown signs of mental distress, including increased drinking and risk-taking behavior. Though he spoke to his brother about his struggles, he often downplayed his feelings, saying "I'm all right" when asked how he was. Both women spoke about the challenges of discussing mental health and the need to recognize changes in behavior. Debbie emphasized the importance of treating mental health with the same attention as physical health, noting that Matt had felt guilty about having to sack players, which added to his stress. Amanda described how Graham, once a "tough competitor" and "very happy person," became isolated and ashamed as his mental health declined. She said he felt like he had "lost all his friends" despite being surrounded by people in the cricket community. Both women are now using their experiences to advocate for better mental health support in sports. They hope to provide resources and a supportive environment for others facing similar challenges. They also acknowledged the emotional and practical difficulties they faced after their husbands’ deaths, including financial strain and the impact on their families. Their shared journey highlights the urgent need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of support systems in high-pressure environments like sports.