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The Ruth Strauss Foundation has appointed Karina Murtagh as the Foundation’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to start in November, following her successful project management of the #RedForRuth Day at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Karina played an integral role as the project manager for the Ruth Strauss Foundation helping to raise over £550,000 as Lord’s Cricket Ground turned #RedForRuth on day two of the second Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia in August.

The Ruth Strauss Foundation was set up by former England cricket captain, Sir Andrew Strauss in honour of his wife Ruth, who died of a rare form of lung cancer in December 2018.

I am so pleased Karina has accepted this role. She was a good friend of Ruth’s and since we launched the Foundation she has played an incredible role leading the project team to provide that memorable day at Lord’s in August which saw us raise over half a million pounds.

The Foundation has achieved so much already and that is largely down to the passion and commitment that Karina has shown. She will continue to lead the team going forward and I am really looking forward to her taking the Foundation to the next level in years to come.’

Sir Andrew StraussChariman

The Foundation helps to fund research into rare forms of lung cancers and provides pre and post bereavement support to patients and their families who are dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Karina was a close friend of Ruth Strauss and has volunteered for the charity since it was formed in early 2019. Leaving her role at the England and Wales Cricket Board, as RSF CEO, Karina will drive the Ruth Strauss Foundation strategy forward, build a strong partnership programme and continue to lead on fundraising projects, big and small.

I’m delighted to take up the role for a cause that means so much to me personally. #RedForRuth Day was an incredible success for all involved and with the money raised we can begin to honour Ruth’s wishes to raise awareness of this cruel disease and provide the emotional support that families need when going through such a painful time in their lives. For Ruth, this Foundation was all about helping people, and we will stay true to that essence of that from day one. I’m grateful to Andrew for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started in my new role.

Karina MurtaghChief Executive Officer