The cricket community will once again be uniting in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF) this summer, with two days focussed upon raising awareness and vital funds for the foundation’s mission to support families facing the death of a parent from cancer.
The build-up to this year's #RedforRuth campaign begins with a presence at Trent Bridge on 24 June, during day three of the Women’s Ashes.
Visitors can donate and purchase merchandise to show their support - hopefully meaning the stands will be awash with spectators sporting red, in support of the forthcoming #RedforRuth campaign.
Then, on 29 June, as Lord’s will turn #RedforRuth on day two of the 2nd LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Test.
“We are delighted to be supporting the important work of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, and start the build-up to #RedforRuth with Trent Bridge turning red during the Women’s Ashes game,” Lisa Pursehouse, Chief Executive Officer at Trent Bridge, said.
“It's always heartening to see cricket fans uniting to show their support for such an important cause. By wearing red and donating to the Ruth Strauss Foundation, fans can help create a buzz, help spread the word and make a real difference to the lives of families affected by cancer.
“We hope to see as many people as possible donning their red attire on June 24th and showing their early support for #RedforRuth.’’
The Ruth Strauss Foundation was founded in memory of Sir Andrew Strauss’ wife, Ruth, who was diagnosed with an incurable non-smoking lung cancer at the age of 46. The couple believed in the importance of having candid conversations about her incurable diagnosis, death and dying with their two sons, who were only 10 and 13 years old at the time.
Since its inception in 2019, the cricket community have rallied together and have helped raise more than £3 million for the Foundation, enabling it to launch its free Family Support Service, and its Training Programme “No Conversation too Tough” for healthcare professionals.
Together with other resources, they are building a robust support system for parents, to help prepare (themselves and) their children, from the moment of receiving the incurable diagnosis to the moment of death itself.