Every cricket legend has a story that begins long before they pick up their first bat. For Ben Stokes, England’s charismatic all-rounder and captain, that story is deeply rooted in the strength, resilience, and unwavering support of his parents – Gerard and Deborah Stokes. Their tale isn’t just about raising a cricket superstar; it’s about overcoming tragedy, crossing continents, and building a family legacy that spans multiple sports.
Ben Stokes Family Information
| Parent | Background | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Gerard Stokes | NZ Rugby League International & Coach | Mental toughness, sporting discipline, pressure management |
| Deborah Stokes | Cricketer & Victim Support Advocate | Resilience, emotional support |
Who are Ben Stokes’ Parents?
Ben Stokes’ family story begins in New Zealand, where both his parents carved out their own sporting legacies before their son became a household name. Gerard Stokes, born in 1956, wasn’t your average cricket dad. He was a formidable rugby league player who represented New Zealand internationally during the 1970s and 1980s. But Gerard’s contribution to sports extended far beyond his playing days – he evolved into a respected coach who would eventually guide teams across different continents.
Meanwhile, Deborah Stokes (often called Deb) had her own sporting credentials. She was a talented cricketer in New Zealand, and here’s where the story gets fascinating – she actually played cricket while pregnant with Ben. Talk about passing on the cricket genes early! Deborah’s connection to cricket wasn’t just casual; she was genuinely skilled and understood the game at a level that would later prove invaluable in nurturing her son’s talent.
The Move That Changed Everything
In 2003, the Stokes family made a life-altering decision. When Ben was just 12 years old, Gerard accepted a coaching position with Workington Town rugby league club in England. This meant packing up their lives in Christchurch and relocating to Cockermouth in West Cumbria.
For many families, such a move might have been disruptive. But for the Stokes family, it became the catalyst that transformed a promising young athlete into a cricket legend. Ben joined the local Cockermouth Cricket Club, where his natural talent began to flourish under the English cricket system.
A Mother’s Strength Through Tragedy
Deborah Stokes’ story carries a weight that extends far beyond cricket. Before Ben was born, she endured an unimaginable tragedy that would have broken most people. In 1988, three years before Ben’s birth, her two children from a previous relationship – eight-year-old Tracey and four-year-old Andrew – were killed by their father, Richard Dunn, in a murder-suicide that shocked New Zealand.
The tragedy occurred when Dunn, Deborah’s ex-partner, became jealous of her relationship with Gerard Stokes. In a fit of rage, he shot both children before turning the gun on himself. This devastating event could have derailed anyone’s life, but Deborah showed remarkable resilience.
Ben’s birth in 1991 gave her a reason to rebuild and hope again. As sources close to the family have noted, “Ben was born at a time of terrible tragedy. Deb was enduring every parent’s worst possible nightmare and his arrival gave her something to live for.”
Gerard Stokes: The Sporting Mentor
Gerard Stokes wasn’t just Ben’s father; he was his first and most influential coach. Having played rugby league at the highest level, Gerard understood what it took to compete against the world’s best athletes. His experience representing New Zealand gave him insights into pressure, performance, and mental toughness that would prove invaluable for Ben’s development.
Gerard’s coaching career was impressive in its own right. After his playing days, he coached various teams and even took on the role of coaching the Serbian national rugby league team. This international coaching experience exposed him to different sporting cultures and methodologies, knowledge he could pass on to his son.
But perhaps most importantly, Gerard understood the balance between pushing for excellence and maintaining perspective. He knew when to be the demanding coach and when to simply be a supportive father.
Related: Ben Stokes Wife
The Family’s Return to New Zealand
In 2013, Gerard and Deborah made another significant move – they returned to New Zealand to settle back in Christchurch. By this time, Ben was well-established in English cricket, but the family ties remained strong. The decision showed that despite Ben’s success in England, his roots and family connections to New Zealand remained paramount.
This move also allowed Deborah to pursue her passion for helping others. She became a victim support advocate, using her own experience with tragedy to help other families navigate their darkest moments. Her work in this field has been so impactful that she received a Police Commissioner’s Commendation award for her efforts.
Deborah’s Current Mission: Helping Others Heal
Today, Deborah Stokes works as a victim support advocate in Christchurch, a role that seems perfectly suited for someone who has experienced profound loss and found a way to rebuild. Her work involves helping families who have experienced trauma, violence, or loss – essentially, she’s become a beacon of hope for people walking through their own valleys of despair.
The irony isn’t lost that the woman who once kicked the coffin of her children’s killer at his funeral (as reported by family sources) now dedicates her life to helping others find peace and healing. It’s a transformation that speaks to incredible personal growth and resilience.
Her son’s success has undoubtedly brought her joy, but her own work helping grieving families has given her life a different kind of purpose. Every family she helps represents another step in her own healing journey.
The Tragic End of Gerard’s Story
In 2020, the cricket world mourned with Ben Stokes when Gerard passed away on December 8th, after battling brain cancer. The diagnosis had come in August 2020, and Gerard fought the disease with the same determination he had shown throughout his sporting career.
Ben had to leave England’s tour of South Africa to be with his father during his final days. The loss was devastating for Ben, who had always credited his father as his biggest influence and supporter. Gerard’s death marked the end of an era for the Stokes family, but his legacy lives on through Ben’s continued success and the values he instilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Ben Stokes’ parents?
Ben Stokes’ parents are Gerard Stokes (1956-2020), a former New Zealand rugby league international and coach, and Deborah Stokes, a former New Zealand cricketer who now works as a victim support advocate.
Why did Ben Stokes’ family move to England?
The Stokes family moved to England in 2003 when Ben was 12 years old because Gerard accepted a coaching position with Workington Town rugby league club. They settled in Cockermouth, West Cumbria, where Ben joined the local cricket club.
What tragedy affected Ben Stokes’ mother?
Before Ben was born, Deborah experienced a devastating tragedy in 1988 when her two children from a previous relationship, Tracey (8) and Andrew (4), were killed by their father Richard Dunn in a murder-suicide. Ben’s birth three years later gave her hope and a reason to rebuild her life.
When did Ben Stokes’ father die?
Gerard Stokes passed away on December 8, 2020, after battling brain cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in August 2020, and Ben had to leave England’s cricket tour to be with his father during his final days.
Where do Ben Stokes’ parents live now?
Gerard and Deborah returned to New Zealand in 2013, settling back in Christchurch. After Gerard’s death in 2020, Deborah continues to live in Christchurch, where she works as a victim support advocate.
What awards has Ben Stokes’ mother received?
Deborah Stokes has received a Police Commissioner’s Commendation award for her work as a victim support advocate, helping families who have experienced trauma and loss.