Cricket community helps more than 5,000 families facing incurable cancer as Lord’s turns #RedForRuth
Friday 5 June will once again see Lord’s turn red for the eighth annual #RedForRuth day
On Friday 5 June, Lord’s will once again become a sea of red as players, fans, partners and sponsors come together for the eighth annual #RedForRuth on day two of the Rothesay Men’s Test between England and New Zealand.
What began as a tribute to Ruth Strauss has become one of cricket’s most powerful charitable movements. Since 2019, the cricket community has helped the Ruth Strauss Foundation support more than 5,000 families facing incurable cancer, train over 1,800 healthcare professionals and raise more than £4.4 million, helping parents find the words to talk to their children about one of life’s toughest situations.
New research conducted with Sky viewers found that one in eight people are aware of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, with awareness largely driven by watching or following cricket. Among those who discovered the Foundation through cricket, more than four in five (81%) said they feel proud that cricket supports the Ruth Strauss Foundation, highlighting the unique role the sport continues to play in helping families find support.
RSF’s evaluation of its Family Support Service has also demonstrated significant impact, with more than 83% of parents reporting they felt more prepared to have difficult conversations with their children following support. RSF help families find the words.
Gemma, who received support from the Ruth Strauss Foundation following an incurable cancer diagnosis, and who features in this year’s appeal film, said: Everything in your soul is saying, ‘I don’t want to tell them that.’ As a parent, you want to protect your children from any harm. Ruth Strauss has enabled us to say it’s okay to have these hard conversations because that’s the right thing to do. We will always be grateful for that.”
This year’s #RedForRuth also marks an exciting new chapter for the charity following the Ruth Strauss Foundation’s recent merger with Maggie’s. Together, the organisations will combine their expertise and reach to ensure even more people impacted by cancer and their families can access the support they need.
Ines Thiru, Chief Executive of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, said: “The cricket community has helped us achieve something extraordinary, and from the very start, has been integral to the Foundation. Together, we have supported thousands of families facing incurable cancer and helped parents find the words for conversations no family ever wants to have.
“With support of the ECB, the MCC, Sky and the wider cricketing family, #RedForRuth has become an integral part of the cricketing calendar, and our latest research shows cricket is not only aiding funds but also helping families find us.
“By joining forces with Maggie’s and bringing our people, expertise and resources together, it allows us to scale up. We now have an exciting opportunity to build on that impact and ensure even more families can access the support they need in the years ahead.”
Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “The fact that more than 5,000 families have received support through the Ruth Strauss Foundation is a powerful reflection of both the generosity of the cricket community and the extraordinary work the Foundation does every day for those facing the most difficult circumstances.
“The support it provides to families dealing with incurable cancer is truly invaluable. I’m proud that cricket continues to unite behind this cause, and I look forward to seeing Lord’s turn #RedForRuth once again on Friday, helping to raise vital awareness and support so that even more families can access help when they need it most.”
Rob Lawson, CEO and Secretary of MCC, said: “RedForRuth day has become one of the most special and inspiring days in the Lord’s calendar and we’re delighted to be supporting it again for the eighth time. Seeing the Ground swathed in red as Members, spectators, players and partners come together in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the cricket community unites behind an important cause.
“We look forward to welcoming supporters to Lord’s on Day Two of the 150th Test match at Lord’s, seeing England’s men taking on New Zealand. The historic nature of the fixture combined with RedForRuth day will make it a very special occasion for all to enjoy.”
As Lord’s turns red once again, #RedForRuth stands as a powerful reminder that cricket’s impact can extend far beyond the boundary – helping families facing incurable cancer find support, understanding and reassurance when they need it most.
For more information, visit www.ruthstraussfoundation.com/redforruth
