ENG vs IND: Lord's turns red on Day 2 to support Strauss Foundation and raise funds

India Today

11-07-2025

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.Now in its seventh year, the campaign sees players, staff, broadcasters, and thousands of spectators don red in solidarity with the Foundation's mission. Established in memory of Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss, the initiative supports families grappling with the terminal illness of a parent, transforming grief into powerful community support. It's #RedForRuth Day at the @HomeOfCricket! Please donate if you can to this amazing cause: https://t.co/kcvssvakyP#RedForRuth2025 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/FUpAvm0Bjy— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025advertisementThe Lord's ground was awash in red, with both England and India players standing together in a formation shaped like a heart. At the center, Andrew Strauss, officials, and children gathered as the kids rang the ceremonial bell to officially start Day 2. The crowd erupted in applause, united in a moment of respect and remembrance.
Reflecting on the day, Andrew Strauss shared, "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."IND vs ENG, 3rd Test, Day 2: Live UpdatesHe added, "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."Spectators attending Day Two were 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 set up in memory of Ruth, who passed away in December 2018 at age 46 from a rare form of lung cancer that affects non-smokers. The Foundation's work includes funding research into rare lung cancers and providing emotional and practical support to families facing the loss of a parent. Since the first Red for Ruth Day in 2019, the campaign has raised over 4 million, supporting more than 3,500 families and training over 1,000 cancer care professionals.The stadium itself was transformed with red-themed displays, making the tribute a striking sight and a reminder of the Foundation's ongoing mission. The Foundation was created to fund research into rare lung cancers and provide support to families facing the loss of a parent. Since its inception, the #RedForRuth campaign has become a cornerstone of the cricket calendar, uniting the community in remembrance and support.- Ends