Ben Stokes pays tribute after father’s death from brain cancer

England international’s late father played Rugby League for New Zealand

Ben Stokes with his father Ged in November 2017 (Getty Images)

Ben Stokes has paid tribute to his father Ged, who died this week after a short battle with brain cancer.

Stokes’ father passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, and his son took to Instagram to share his emotions.

“In different places now me and you Ged, but knowing you’ll always have this smile on your face makes me smile every time I think of you,” England international Stokes wrote.

Stokes was with the England cricket team in South Africa until it was announced earlier this week that the tour would be aborted.

Ged Stokes played international Rugby League for New Zealand and also played and coached in Cumbria with Workington and Whitehaven, both of whom issued fulsome tributes.

Stokes missed the majority of England’s summer Test series against Pakistan to be with his father in Christchurch after it was announced in August that he was suffering from the disease.

PA