Ben Stokes’ father Ged Stokes passes away after battle with brain cancer


Ben Stokes’ father Ged Stokes passes away after battle with brain cancer

Ben Stokes with his father

Ben Stokes with his family

English cricketer Ben Stokes’ father Ged Stokes has passed away after a fight with brain cancer, Ged’s former rugby club announced. The former rugby star was diagnosed with the ailment in January, 2020 and spend nearly five weeks in a serious condition at a Johannesburg hospital.

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Ged’s condition had then improved which led to him returning to Christchurch in New Zealand where he was living till the time of his death today. The 65-year-old’s former rugby team, both as a player and a coach, Workington Town released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that we learn our former player and coach Ged Stokes has passed away. Ged is written into the rich fabric of Town history and will be greatly missed.”

Ben Stokes arrived late to the IPL due to his father’s illness

Ben Stokes during the recent South Africa vs England series

Ged Stokes’ son, Ben Stokes, had earlier left England’s bio-bubble during a series against Pakistan in the month of August to spend time with his father before travelling to UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stokes’ participation in the tournament was a big doubt however, with his father’s blessings, the all-rounder travelled to the UAE to resume cricket.

Before leaving for for India, the Stokes had written in a column for Daily Mirror saying, “Saying goodbye to my dad, my mum and my brother in Christchurch was tough. It has been a difficult time for us as a family, but we’ve pulled together and supported each other as best we can. And I was able to get on the plane with my parents’ love and blessing after we reached the decision, for me to get back playing, as a family with no external influences.”

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Following his father’s death, messages of condolences have started pouring in for the bereaved cricketer.

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