The Ruth Strauss Foundation was set up by former England cricket captain, Andrew Strauss in honour of his wife Ruth, who died of a rare form of lung cancer in December 2018. The Foundation provides grants for research into rare forms of lung cancers and provides emotional and well-being support to patients and their families.Ashes rivalries were temporarily put aside as players from both sides presented Andrew and his two sons, Sam and Luca, with commemorative red caps before the start of play. Andrew also joined Sam and Luca to ring the famous bell in the Lord’s Pavilion before play.During play, both sides wore special commemorative shirts including the Ruth Strauss Foundation logo and red names and numbers on the back. The shirts and caps have been signed by the players and are being auctioned to raise funds at ruthstraussfoundation.com.
Supported by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), partners, including Specsavers, NatWest and JP Morgan supported the foundation in a number of ways including turning their branding red and donating to the Foundation.
Talking about the day, Strauss said: “Today has been an incredible and very emotional day. Ruth was an amazing mum, wife and friend to so many, and she would have been blown away by the level of support. To see the players, fans, wider public and the cricket family come together has been phenomenal.
"Thank you to the ECB and MCC for making this possible.“Through these donations we will be able to provide grants for research and offer families vital emotional and well-being support throughout their cancer journey.”
In addition to donations made on the day, an online auction held by the Ruth Strauss Foundation will end one week later on 22nd August. Prizes include Eoin Morgan’s World Cup Final shirt signed by the winning England team, a painting by acclaimed artist Sacha Jafri depicting the moment the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup was won, as well as signed memorabilia from the players. Find out more and bid at ruthstraussfoundation.com.
Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation which is very personal to many of us at ECB. We are so pleased today has proved to be a huge success. Andrew is not only one of our greatest players and most successful captains, he is also held in the highest regard as an individual across the game and around the world. Today, you saw first-hand the deep affection with which the Strauss family are held.”
“Cricket has once again shown that it is a sport that brings people together and we are grateful to all supporters, either at the ground, at home or at work who have supported the foundation so generously.”Guy Lavender, MCC Chief Executive & Secretary, added: “It’s been yet another exceptional day at Lord’s. Turning the Home of Cricket red in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation was a privilege and we were delighted to see so many fans and supporters embracing the day. This incredible summer of cricket continues at Lord’s!”
The Ruth Strauss Foundation would like to thank broadcasters Sky Sports and BBC for their support, Cancer Research UK for their contribution to volunteers and fundraising; and key digital, marketing and PR partners including Amido, Accord Marketing, FR Events and The Playbook. The day would not have been possible without them.Fans can still support online or by texting RUTH10 or RUTH5 to 70507 to give £10 or £5 to The Ruth Strauss Foundation. You will be charged £10 or £5, plus one message at your standard network rate. The Ruth Strauss Foundation will receive 100%. If you wish to discuss this mobile payment call 02032827863. Registered charity number 1183221.