Explained: What is Red for Ruth day, why is everyone wearing red at the Ashes Test, and how to get involved
The third day of the women’s Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge has been signalled the start of the build-up towards ‘Red for Ruth‘ day, to raise money for the charity set-up by former England men’s Test captain, Andrew Strauss.
Strauss founded the Ruth Strauss foundation in memory of his wife, who died in December 2018 from lung cancer aged 46. It aims to raise awareness of the need for more research into non-smoking lung cancers and support families to prepare for the death of a parent. At the time of her death, Strauss’s two sons were aged 10 and 13.
The fundraising day at the Test match follows the model of the ‘Blue for Bob‘ day at Edgbaston during the first Test of the men’s Ashes series last week, as well as the Jane McGrath foundation day at the MCG, where fans are encouraged to wear pink. Spectators at the ground on Saturday have been asked to wear red items of clothing, while members of the media wore red bucket hats during the live build-up to the start of play.
The day starts a week-long build up of fundraising, culminating on the second day of the men’s Ashes Test at Lord’s. There, the public will also be asked to show their support for the foundation by wearing red for the fifth annual ‘Red for Ruth’ day at the ground.
Since its was founded in 2019, the charity has raised over £3 million, enabling it to launch a free family support service and training programmes for healthcare professionals called ‘No Conversation Too Tough’.
“The harsh reality is that since I set up the charity, around 185,000 children will have lost a parent,” said Strauss. “We are immensely proud and grateful for what we have been able to achieve so far – but we have a long way to go. The ambition is to help as many people as possible, and days like #RedforRuth at Lord’s are vital for us to keep going.”
Heather Knight said: “I’ve been a huge admirer of the Ruth Strauss Foundation since the first ever Red for Ruth and I’m delighted the foundation is coming to the Trent Bridge Test to raise awareness of the amazing work they do. It’s a great cause and the whole England team is fully behind the foundation and its incredible work.”
Lisa Pursehouse, chief executive at Trent Bridge, said the venue was delighted to begin the build-up to the Lord’s event “with Trent Bridge turning red during the Women’s Ashes game”.
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