How your cricket club can help the Ruth Strauss Foundation's vital work

The charity's roots in our sport are well-known – and grassroots sides have an important part to play in expanding its mission

CHARITY FEATURE

Cricket clubs across the country are vital hubs for the communities they represent – but also the perfect vehicles for good causes too.

In the Ruth Strauss Foundation, clubs up and down the British Isles have lent their support to a charity that is rooted in the sport we all love.

But how can your club get involved in raising awareness and funds to help support families affected by a parent’s incurable cancer diagnosis?

One popular method is to turn their grounds red for a game, emulating the hugely successful ‘Red For Ruth’ days that are now firmly part of the annual lore of Test matches held at Lord’s.

But there are plenty of other ways to offer support too, as Ines Thiru, the Foundation’s chief executive, explains.

“Clubs can do their bit by finding out more, spreading the word and connecting with us,” says Ines.

“They can turn their grounds red and celebrate during one of the fixtures.

“There's so many different ways from volunteering to holding events for us at their grounds.

“It's vital for us so that we can be there for every family who has to go through this journey.”

The Foundation offers direct support to families through its Family Support Service, training healthcare and education professionals to support affected parents and children.

It also funds vital research into non-smoking lung cancer to improve earlier diagnosis, treatment and care.

In 2026 alone, the charity has so far offered 1,700 appointments to families, helping to prepare children affected by having a parent with an incurable diagnosis for the future.

The Foundation is now the official charity partner of the Cawston Press Village Cup, with Ines helping to officiate the draw for the 2026 edition of the tournament, held at Lord’s recently.

“We’re about helping communities and families,” says Ines.

“It's amazing what we do here at Lord’s by having the community support.

“It enables us to reach families everywhere across the country.

“To do that alongside The Cricketer and Cawston Press is brilliant because the Cawston Press Village Cup is really family-focused and community-focused.

“I'm really delighted about this new partnership.”

It’s no surprise that the Foundation finds such support among the cricket community.

“Our roots are in cricket,” adds Ines.

“We were set up in 2019 by Sir Andrew Strauss.

“It was the death of his late wife that inspired the setting up of the charity.

"Since then, we’ve come to the Home of Cricket every year for a Test match where we turn the entire ground red.

“It's been incredible to see the cricket community across the country engage with us, with little clubs turning red in support.

“It’s a celebration of life, but also helps us raise awareness and vital funds so we can continue and expand our work.”

Clubs and communities all around the country host their own fundraising events as part of the annual RedforRuth campaign. It's easy to get involved and help bring your community together to raise awareness and funds to support more families facing one of life’s toughest tests.

Why not turn red for a game, training session, social or dedicated fundraising event – or any other creative idea you can think of! Anyone can get involved, so bring together your members, families and everyone in your local community.

If you, or your club can support by turning red, the charity can support you with fundraising packs and everything you need to make the day a success including merchandise and even red stumps!

To find out more contact Oliver.Buncombe@ruthstraussfoundation.com