A Day We’ll Remember
7th #RedForRuth at Lord’s
It is often said that cricket has the power to bring people together, and this year at Lord’s that truth shone brighter than ever.
On Day 2 of the Rothesay Men’s Test: England v India, Lord’s turned red for the 7th #RedForRuth. Players, fans, families and supporters came together to raise awareness and funds for families facing the challenges of an incurable cancer diagnosis when children are involved.
The Pavilion, the stands and the walkways were filled with red – caps, shirts, ties and scarves – each one a reminder of Ruth Strauss and the Foundation that carries on her legacy by helping families when they need it most.
A Powerful Start to the Day
Before play began, the noise in the ground fell quiet as our founder Andrew Strauss walked out onto the pitch alongside children and families we’ve supported. Together, they rang the famous Lord’s bell to signal the start of the day’s play.
As the bell rang, the England players gathered around the families, forming a heart shape – a simple but beautiful gesture. For a few moments, cricket stood still. Spectators in the stands rose to their feet, many clapping, some wiping their eyes. It was more than a ceremonial start – it was an act of recognition for the courage it takes for families to share their stories publicly, and an acknowledgement of every parent facing an incurable diagnosis.
Moments like this remind us why #RedForRuth matters. By stepping into the spotlight, these families let others know they are not alone. Their courage encourages other parents to reach out for help and to find support at a time when it is most desperately needed.
Support on and off the Pitch
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who own Lord’s and to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who govern the sport nationally, for making this day possible. Their commitment ensures that #RedForRuth is woven into one of the biggest fixtures of the summer.
We are grateful to the organisers of the match, and to both the England and India teams for proudly wearing special shirts with the RSF logo. Seeing players take to the field in those shirts showed real support for the cause and it helped our message reach millions watching at home.
A huge thank you to Sky Sports, who played a vital role in broadcasting the event, sharing interviews, stories and images of the day with households across the UK and beyond. Their platform allowed us to speak directly to the public about the importance of our work and invite vital donations.
And it wasn’t just at Lord’s. Across the country, people wore red to their offices, schools and local cricket clubs, standing in solidarity with families they may never meet but with whom they could empathise. Photos poured in on social media – each one a reminder that the message of #RedForRuth is spreading wider every year.
The People Behind the Scenes
Long before a ball was bowled, the #RedForRuth day had already been months in the making. Our RSF staff worked tirelessly – planning logistics, coordinating with MCC and ECB, liaising with broadcasters, designing merchandise, preparing communications and ensuring families were supported throughout. It was a huge collective effort. Every detail, from our gazebo on the forecourt, buzzing with energy to the storytelling moments on screen, reflected the passion of a team determined to make a difference.
Alongside them stood our incredible volunteers – nearly 100 of them! We are so thankful to each and every one who gave their time and energy. This year we were joined by supporters from Wilson James, Lenovo, ECB, Sage, Hexaware, Selfridges, Accenture, Hamlins and Microsoft. On the day itself they welcomed visitors, sold merchandise, guided families, answered questions and did all the small but vital tasks that made the event run smoothly.
As Meg Reed from Wilson James put it:
”It was a privilege to volunteer at #RedForRuth, supporting a cause that means so much to so many. I’m always so proud of how #TeamWJ come together for great causes like this; showing up in support with passion and enthusiasm, and it’s a good reminder of the positive impact we can have both in our own work, and in our broader community."
Meg ReedWilson James
”It’s been a privilege to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation – from a 20km fundraising walk with Microsoft UK to volunteering at Lord’s on #RedForRuth Day. The atmosphere was incredible, and the generosity of the public truly moving. I’m grateful to be part of this journey supporting families facing the death of a parent.”
Nilay DassaniMicrosoft UK
Fundraising That Makes a Difference
This year’s fundraising was boosted by the extraordinary generosity behind the Red for Ruth Auction. We received signed, match-worn shirts and caps from both squads, original artwork, exclusive experiences and treasured cricket memorabilia – all given with open hearts and with one purpose: to raise money so more families can receive the support they need.
Among the standout moments was the generosity of Joe Root. On #RedForRuth day, Joe reached an extraordinary personal milestone – scoring his 37th Test century and breaking the record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test history (211). To mark the occasion, we released a Limited Edition of just 50 signed prints, each personally signed by Joe. Visit here to check availability and don’t miss the chance to see if one of these special prints could still be yours.
And for the second year in a row, the Freddie Green & Family Charitable Trust generously matched donations made on #RedForRuth Day, up to £75,000 – doubling the impact of every contribution. Thanks to their incredible support, and the generosity of all who donated, we raised vital funds to support families facing the challenging reality of an incurable cancer diagnosis.
Every shirt purchased, every print sold, every pound doubled through matched giving means more counselling sessions for parents, more training for schools, more moments where families feel less alone. That is what fundraising makes possible.
Why We Do It
The Ruth Strauss Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting families facing an incurable cancer diagnosis. On average, 127 children face the death of a parent each day (Childhood Bereavement Network, 2022). At the heart of #RedForRuth is a simple truth: behind every statistic is a family. Every parent who receives an incurable cancer diagnosis faces the devastating question of how to prepare their children. And every child in that situation deserves understanding, support and the reassurance that they are not alone.
This year, several incredible families bravely opened up about their experiences, helping others in similar situations understand how RSF can support.
Watch Our Mission in Action
This year, we shared a special video where families told their stories in their own words – the fear, the challenges, but also the hope they found through RSF. Their voices offered a heartfelt glimpse into their journeys, showing how the right support can make a lasting difference.
For anyone who has ever wondered what #RedForRuth achieves, this video is the answer. It is the reason Andrew Strauss founded the charity, the reason staff and volunteers work so hard, and the reason thousands of people choose to stand with us each year.
Looking Ahead – Turn Cricket Red
The spirit of #RedForRuth doesn’t end at Lord’s. Across the UK, cricket clubs, schools, universities and communities are joining forces to Turn Cricket Red in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. From Durham to UCL and Bedford, we’ll be highlighting some of the events that bring people together, raising awareness and generating vital funds – all building towards our big day at Lord’s.
There’s still time to join in. Whether you host a match, wear red for the day or spread the word in your club, your efforts help ensure no family faces this journey alone.
A Final Thank You from Everyone at the Ruth Strauss Foundation
Ines Thiru, our CEO, summed up the day perfectly:
”My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s #RedForRuth possible – the MCC, the ECB, the England and India teams, Sky Sports, our staff and volunteers, our partners, and every supporter who wore red, donated or spread the word. Together we have shown what can be achieved when a community stands united. Most importantly, we have reminded families facing one of the most difficult of times that they are not alone."
Ines ThiruRSF CEO
In Pictures – #RedForRuth 2025
The photos below capture some of the unforgettable moments from this year’s #RedForRuth at Lord’s – from the bell ringing and sea of red in the stands, to the families, players, staff and volunteers who made the day so special.
