Ruth Strauss, wife of Andrew, dies aged 46
Saturday 29 December 2018 16:01, UK
Ruth Strauss, the wife of former England captain Andrew Strauss, has died following a battle with cancer.
The former actress, who was 46, was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in December 2017.
Andrew Strauss stepped down from his position as director of cricket with the England and Wales Cricket Board in October, in order to spend more time with Ruth as she fought the condition.
The couple married in 2003 and had two children, Sam and Luca.
Andrew Strauss said in a statement: "It is with great sadness and immense grief that we have to announce that Ruth passed away today as a result of her rare lung cancer.
"Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly.
"Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.
"We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London.
"Ruth desperately wanted to help those affected by this terrible disease and we will be launching a foundation in due course to raise much needed funds to aid research and also to offer support to patients and their families."
Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: "Our hearts go out to Andrew, their two precious young boys and the whole family at such a sad time. Ruth fought a brave and dignified battle, her loss at such a young age is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with them."
