On Thursday 18 August, Lord’s will once again turn #RedforRuth during Day Two of England’s LV=Insurance Test Match against South Africa, in support for the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
The charity 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 recognised the importance of preparing their two sons (aged 10 and 13 at the time) for her death and the need for open and honest conversations.
Following on from last year’s successful event, the Foundation is raising funds which will enable it to continue to develop and deliver its Family Support Service at scale, as well as delivering this autumn its new Training Programme for healthcare professionals. The Family Support Service helps families with dependent children prepare for grief and the death of a parent.
The pilot healthcare professional Training Programme, which has successfully trained 36 nurses to date, aims to help healthcare professionals by providing information and advice on how to hold tough conversations with patients who have terminal cancer, and their dependent children.
In addition to this, after hearing from families who’ve received support from the Foundation, a peer-to-peer support programme is going to be set up for children and in particular teens, so they can speak to others going through a similar experience.
Contemporary British artist, Sacha Jafri has supported fundraising efforts with a limited edition of 50 signed prints of his original artwork depicting England’s 2019 World Cup winning moment. The prints will be available to purchase from the Ruth Strauss Foundation website from 17 August 2022. The original painting is on loan to the MCC, and on display in the Lord’s Pavilion.
On #RedforRuth day players from the England Men’s Team will wear special commemorative shirts with the Ruth Strauss Foundation logo and red playing numbers. Children and parents from some of the families supported and nurses trained by the charity will take part in the Test’s opening ceremony, alongside Sir Andrew Strauss and his sons Sam & Luca. LV= Insurance and other cricket partners will show their support by turning their branding red on #RedforRuth day.
"it is wonderful to be helping to raise funds for such an important cause"
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive and Secretary at MCC said: “We are delighted to be hosting the #RedforRuth day on the third occasion at Lord’s and it is wonderful to be helping to raise funds for such an important cause. We hope, that as in previous years, Members and spectators will wear red and support the RSF as we look forward to what we hope will be an enthralling Test match.”
Sir Andrew Strauss said: ‘‘Any family affected by a terminal cancer diagnosis is going through a uniquely devastating journey, so it’s important the support we offer them is unique too. Through the Foundation we’ve been able to help many families this year, but there is so much more we are hoping to achieve.
"In 2023 we are aiming to train around 500 cancer and palliative care professionals, alongside launching a training programme for teachers. Plus, we are aiming to start peer-to-peer support groups for teens facing losing a parent. People’s generosity at #RedforRuth helps to make all of this possible and that’s why we are forever grateful.”
ECB Interim CEO, Clare Connor, said: “We are once again very proud to be supporting the Ruth Strauss Foundation and the important work of the charity.
“The support the charity provides for families affected by the terminal diagnosis of a loved one is so important, as is its funding of vital research into non-smoking lung cancers.
“It’s a privilege to be staging this event for the fourth time as we continue to showcase how cricket can successfully come together to raise funds for families and individuals going through the toughest of times.”
This year there are multiple ways to support #RedforRuth including:
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Show your support by donating, personalising and sharing a digital cricket shirt on social media: www.ruthstraussfoundation.com/join-the-team
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Text to donate: Text TEN to 70600 to donate £10, Text TWENTY to 70600 to donate £20, Text THIRTY to donate £30, Text FORTY to donate £40
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Buy official merchandise: ruthstraussfoundation.com/shop
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Bid in the auction for incredible prizes including a wine tasting in the Lord’s Home Dressing Room with Sir Andrew Strauss, Golf with Sri Lanka Cricket Legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena and hospitality experiences including at the Henley Regatta. In addition, Joe Root has signed 250 photographs of his 10,000th Test run.
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Visit www.ruthstraussfoundation.com/redforruth for more information on ways to support.