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Day Two of the third Test between England and India at Lord's was about more than just cricket - the iconic ground turned red in a heartfelt tribute to the Ruth Strauss Foundation during the annual #RedForRuth day, a deeply meaningful initiative that has become a beloved tradition in the English summer cricket calendar.
The second day of the third Test match between India and England at Lord's Stadium in London was about more than just cricket; the mecca of cricket turned red in a heartfelt tribute to the Ruth Strauss Foundation during the annual #RedForRuth day. This is an initiative that has become a beloved tradition in the English summer cricket calendar.
This is the seventh year where the campaign sees players, staff, broadcasters, and thousands of spectators don red in solidarity with the Foundation's mission. This was established in memory of Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss. This initiative supports families grappling with the terminal illness of a parent, transforming grief into powerful community support.
The iconic Lord's ground turned red with both England and India players standing together in a formation shaped like a heart. At the centre, Andrew Strauss, officials, and children gathered as the kids rang the ceremonial bell to start Day 2 officially. The crowd erupted in applause, united in a moment of respect and remembrance.
"The first year was obviously a deeply emotional time for me and my boys. It's a very proud time for me to see how far the foundation has come, and it makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside to know that we are helping so many people and, in some way, holding their hands through an incredibly tough time in their lives. Cricket is my home, and hopefully will always be my home" said Andrew Strauss.
"The two things coming together [cricket and the cause] create a great day, but that is very much the focal point and the centrepiece. What makes me even more proud is hearing stories of schools and clubs doing their own versions of Red For Ruth. They don't know me or Ruth personally, but they feel connected to the cause" added Andrew Strauss.
Fans who came to witness the clash on Day 2 were also encouraged to wear red and arrive early for a special opening ceremony before the first ball. Volunteers sold #RedForRuth bucket hats and handed out Ruth Roses in exchange for donations, helping raise awareness and crucial funds for the Foundation.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation was created in memory of Ruth Strauss, who sadly passed away in December 2018 at just 46 years old from a rare type of lung cancer that affects people who don’t smoke. Since then, the foundation has been working hard to fund research into these uncommon cancers and to support families who are facing the heartbreaking reality of losing a parent.
Since the very first “Red for Ruth” Day back in 2019, the campaign has raised over £4 million. That support has made a real difference, helping more than 3,500 families and training over 1,000 professionals who care for cancer patients.
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