A single mother from Derby, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, has credited a foundation established by former England cricket captain Sir Andrew Strauss with helping her navigate the profound challenges of her illness. Jackie Storer, 49, described the support from the Ruth Strauss Foundation as instrumental in enabling her to 'do dying well', particularly in communicating her condition to her teenage son.
The Ruth Strauss Foundation was founded in memory of Sir Andrew's wife, Ruth, who died at 46 from a rare lung cancer, leaving behind two young children. The organisation focuses on providing emotional and psychological assistance to families where a parent is facing the end of life due to incurable cancer. For Ms Storer, a lifelong cricket enthusiast, the foundation's advice on how to openly and honestly discuss her diagnosis with her son, Dom, was invaluable.
Ms Storer's journey began in October 2024 when a routine hysterectomy unexpectedly revealed cancer. Following a full hysterectomy in January 2025 and subsequent radiotherapy, scans confirmed the cancer had metastasised to her lungs, rendering it incurable. Diagnosed with a high-grade stromal sarcoma, described as aggressive and rare, Ms Storer underwent a rigorous chemotherapy regime until November 2025. She expressed the devastation of learning her cancer was not curable, contrasting it with previous experiences where cancer treatment led to recovery.
Faced with the daunting prospect of explaining her prognosis to Dom, Ms Storer sought recommendations from friends and the cancer charity Maggie's, leading her to the Ruth Strauss Foundation. She noted that the foundation's strong ties to cricket were particularly helpful in engaging her son. The support received has encouraged her to adopt a mantra of making the most of the time she has, focusing on living life to the fullest and maintaining positivity for both herself and Dom.
A poignant moment for Ms Storer was attending the foundation's #RedforRuth event at Lord's, where she met Sir Andrew Strauss, Sir Alastair Cook, and other England players during a recent test match. Being on the Lord's pitch alongside other families supported by the foundation provided a sense of shared purpose and positivity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to raise funds and extend its vital support to more families navigating similar circumstances.
For those in the UK affected by cancer or seeking support, organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK, and Maggie's Centres offer a range of services from practical advice to emotional support. Individuals concerned about their health should always consult their GP or call NHS 111 for guidance.
Source: Ruth Strauss Foundation