Ben Stokes bereaved after his father loses battle to cancer at the age of 65

Ged Stokes, a former rugby player and coach, had been suffering from brain cancer and Ben was in Christchurch for more than a month taking care of his ailing father.

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Ben Stokes with his father after his diagnosis in January (File)

Ben Stokes lost his father Ged, who died here on Tuesday after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was 65.

Stokes is currently with the England team in South Africa for the limited-over series. He had played all three T20Is and was rested for ODIs, which was cancelled on Monday after multiple cases of COVID-19 were detected in the bio-bubble.

Ged, a former rugby player and coach, had been suffering from brain cancer for some time and Stokes was there in Christchurch for more than a month taking care of his ailing father.

“All our thoughts are with Ben Stokes and his family following the passing of his father, Ged,” ECB tweeted from its official handle.

All our thoughts are with Ben Stokes and his family following the passing of his father, Ged. 💔 pic.twitter.com/r1KYPQFuxD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 8, 2020

RIP Ged Stokes. One of the greatest characters in our special cricket family.

We’re with you Ben. Strength to you and your family 💗🙏 pic.twitter.com/jA2EA0DVIk

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 8, 2020

Stokes’ famous “bent middle finger” gesture during the 2019 South Africa series was a tribute to his father’s amputated finger. Ged had to remove a part of his finger in order to continue playing.

It was Stokes’ way of paying tribute to his father for the sacrifices he had made to see him grow as a cricketer.

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