In early 2018, Ruth Strauss, the late wife of Sir Andrew Strauss, the former England cricket captain, was diagnosed with an incurable lung cancer that affects non-smokers. Ruth died on 29 December 2018; she was 46 years old and mother to two children, then aged 10 and 13.

In her memory, Sir Andrew has launched The Ruth Strauss Foundation to:

Provide emotional support for families to prepare for the death of a parent

Raise awareness of the need for more research & collaboration in the fight against non-smoking lung cancers.

Our Family Support Team can:

• Guide you through the first time you talk to the children about your diagnosis, the conversations to come about treatment, and how to approach any other challenging conversations you may need to have when preparing them for the worst.
• Provide reassurance that you are doing the right things and guide you in areas where you identify you need some extra help.
• Offer ideas on how to make lasting memories for your family.
• Talk you through how to navigate any questions and emotions that come up.
• Make suggestions for books, apps and local services to give you additional support and information.
• Provide 1:1 emotional support for you, your partner or co-parent.
• Run small online peer support groups for both parents and young people aged 13-16.

Wherever you are in the UK, if your youngest child is under 25, we are here for you.