Lord’s turns #RedforRuth on 11 July, to support families facing one of life’s toughest tests

On Friday 11 July, Lord’s Cricket Ground will be transformed into a sea of red as the cricketing world unites for the seventh annual #RedforRuth day - the Ruth Strauss Foundation’s flagship fundraising event and one of the most powerful examples of sporting for good. Taking place during the third England v India Rothesay Men’s Test Match, this symbolic day will raise vital awareness and funds for families where a parent has incurable cancer.

Since launching in 2019, the Foundation has supported over 5,000 families, trained more than 1,300 cancer healthcare professionals, and created what has become an iconic fixture in the cricketing calendar for the vital awareness and funding it generates.

This year, the Foundation is expanding its impact with a new initiative aimed at reaching even more families and communities: a nationwide Schools Education Programme: Responding in the Moment.

The newly launched Schools Programme provides vital training to help teachers and school staff support children affected by a parent’s incurable cancer diagnosis. The initiative will combine expert training for all school staff with a powerful new Minecraft Education game, called Detect & Diagnose, to help children aged 8–12 better understand cancer, what it is, where it occurs in the body and how to diagnose it. 

Among those joining this year’s event at Lord’s is Richard Williman, a bereaved father and former headteacher who helped test and shape the new schools programme.

Richard said “As someone who has experienced the pain of losing a partner and watching my children go through it, I know how critical this is. I’m proud to help the Foundation bring its support into schools, where children spend so much of their time.”

Through the incredible support of the cricket community and wider public on days like #RedforRuth, the Ruth Strauss Foundation has been able to offer vital support to families facing one of life’s toughest tests.

Sir Andrew Strauss says: “The impact we’ve made in the past six years is extraordinary, and a huge part of it is down to the generosity of the cricketing community and the public. With the schools programme now in place, we’re ensuring that families feel supported not just at home or in healthcare settings, but in schools too. If you can, please dig deep and support people going through one of life’s toughest tests.”

Robert Lawson, CEO and Secretary of MCC said: “We are once again very privileged to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation and extremely excited to see Lord’s turning red in celebration and support of such an important charity within the cricketing community. The atmosphere on RedForRuth day is very special, with our spectators, Members, guests and staff, all enjoying a day to remember and be proud of.”

Visit www.ruthstraussfoundation.com/redforruth for more information on ways to support.