Outpouring of support for Ben Stokes after devastating family tragedy
Ben Stokes has received an outpouring of support from the cricket world after news that his father has died after a battle with brain cancer.
Ged Stokes, a New Zealand rugby league international, was diagnosed with the disease in January.
He was aged 65.
‘NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT’: Mitchell Starc out after family illness
NOT HAPPY: Aussie coach erupts over T20 concussion controversy
The elder Stokes played rugby league in England in the 1980s and returned as a coach, with the Rugby Football League confirming news of his passing on social media.
"We are saddened to learn that Ged Stokes has passed away," The Rugby Football League said on Twitter.
"Ged was a New Zealand international who became a fine servant to the British game with his work in rugby league across Cumbria.
"The RFL sends its condolences to the Stokes family. Rest in Peace, Ged."
Workington Town - the club Stokes used to play for 1982-83 season before returning as their coach in 2003, also expressed their grief at his passing.
"It is with great sadness that we learn our former player and coach Ged Stokes has passed away," the club wrote in a tribute on Twitter.
"Ged is written into the rich fabric of Town history and will be greatly missed.
"Our thoughts are with Deb, Ben and James. Ged still has many, many friends here in West Cumbria and we send our thoughts to them too."
The cricket world rallied behind Stokes at the tragic news of his father's death, with the 29-year-old given an outpouring of support from fans.
Cricket world pays respects to Stokes family
Our thoughts are with Ben Stokes and his family following the passing of his father Ged Stokes at the age of 65. pic.twitter.com/pO9w8fjMuQ
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 8, 2020
Rip! 🤲🏽 Really sorry to hear that 😢@benstokes38 Don’t let go of your precious memories.They’ll get you through this difficult time.
— Kiran 😍👨🏻🍳 (@___Kiran) December 8, 2020
You've made him the proudest dad in the world @benstokes38, thoughts with you and the family ❤️
— Matty Nunn (@MNunny91) December 8, 2020
So sad to hear this. Ben Stokes's father passed away today. Stay stong Champ. #BenStokes pic.twitter.com/zYb7TqYlQf
— TULASARAM (@TULASARAM12) December 8, 2020
@benstokes38 you brought pride and joy to him and many. He is watching over you.... continue to be great and the Stokes name will live on forever. May he rest in peace
— Jimmy James (@jimmyjamesjim1) December 8, 2020
Ben Stokes father passed away . Deepest condolences .
Stay strong Ben !! pic.twitter.com/aSE203H3tE— 𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐫 🏏📊 (@Cricket_genes) December 8, 2020
Sad news about GED Stokes, he has been such a tower of strength for Ben stokes. He is a huge loss to the sporting world💔😔#RIP pic.twitter.com/e77nHQgPDE
— Afry (@_carnifex_15_) December 8, 2020
Rip 💔 Ged Stokes.
Ben Stokes, strength to you & your family ❤️.@benstokes38#RIP #BenStokes pic.twitter.com/AZG6qMM023— Mukesh Panwar MP (@MUKESHPANWAR49) December 8, 2020
New Zealand-born Ben Stokes missed most of England's summer Test series in Pakistan after returning to Christchurch to be with his father.
However, he played in all three Twenty20 matches on England's tour of South Africa. He was rested for the one-day internationals, which were scrapped over coronavirus concerns.
Whitehaven also said they were "deeply saddened" by the death of a figure who was "a major part of Cumbrian rugby league".
with AFP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.