Legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressed gratitude after a star-studded YouWeCan Foundation charity event in London. Joined by icons like Tendulkar, Kohli, and Lara, the fundraiser aimed to support cancer warriors in India. The event highlighted Yuvraj’s inspiring journey and mission to raise £1 million for cancer care and education.
Cricketing legend and cancer survivor Yuvraj Singh was moved to tears during an emotional charity gala hosted by his YouWeCan Foundation in London on Tuesday. The star-studded event was attended by some of the biggest names in international cricket, all uniting to raise awareness and funds for cancer care and education in India.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yuvraj expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the cause. “Overwhelmed, humbled and grateful beyond words! To my friends, family, former teammates, legends of the game, and the Indian cricket team, thank you for showing up with so much love and belief,” he wrote.
The charity event was a grand affair, bringing together cricket royalty under one roof. Among the notable attendees were Indian greats Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and Shubman Gill, along with West Indies legend Chris Gayle, Brian Lara, and former England players Kevin Pietersen and Darren Gough. The current Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill and coached by Gautam Gambhir, also graced the event.
Yuvraj, a World Cup hero and one of India’s most celebrated all-rounders, survived a rare form of cancer after the 2011 World Cup. He launched the YouWeCan Foundation in 2013 as a promise to support those facing similar battles. Since its inception, the foundation has impacted thousands of lives, offering free cancer screening, patient care, and educational assistance for underprivileged families affected by the disease.
At the London gala, Yuvraj spoke candidly about his own battle with cancer and how it inspired the creation of the foundation. “I’ve lived through cancer. I know what it feels like to wake up unsure of your tomorrow,” he said. “But I also know what hope looks like, and it looks a lot like all of you! You’ve helped us keep our promise to stand by cancer warriors in India who are still fighting, still hoping, and still holding on.”
The foundation’s current campaign aims to raise GBP 1 million to fund critical cancer treatments and educational support for children and women from low-income families in India. Yuvraj explained that much of their work focuses on aiding women with breast cancer and children from below-poverty-line households. “YouWeCan was inspired by my journey, and all just by a lot of compassion, where we belong after cancer,” he said.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who attended the event with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, shared a moving tribute to Yuvraj on X. “Standing with @YUVSTRONG12 last night in support of @YOUWECAN’s incredible work felt deeply meaningful. You have turned your personal battle into a mission to help others win theirs. That takes heart. Always with you, my friend,” Tendulkar posted.
The presence of cricket’s most recognized figures significantly boosted awareness for the cause. The charity gala featured a dinner, live music, and a fundraising auction of cricket memorabilia, with all proceeds directed towards YouWeCan’s mission in India.
Former West Indies batsman Brian Lara praised Yuvraj’s resilience and leadership in using his fame for a higher cause. “To turn adversity into strength and use it for the benefit of others is truly heroic,” he said.
Kevin Pietersen echoed similar sentiments, noting that Yuvraj’s battle with cancer and subsequent advocacy work has been an inspiration not just for cricketers, but for people around the world. “What he’s doing is nothing short of remarkable,” Pietersen said.
As the evening drew to a close, Yuvraj left attendees with a powerful message: “We will keep going, we will keep fighting, and we will never give up.”
| Also Read: India to host two world-class Shooting events; dates yet to be announced |
The success of the London event marks a significant milestone in the foundation’s journey and underscores the power of sport in mobilizing support for meaningful change. With legends backing the cause and public support pouring in, Yuvraj Singh’s dream of helping every cancer warrior in India live with hope and dignity continues to gather strength.
