It was Spring 2019 when I got a phone call from Tom asking if I would join the Youngs' Testimonial Committee. We didn’t realise then that so many challenges lay ahead. An unprecedented two-year global pandemic and the tragic passing of Jake, Tom and Ben’s brother in law from MND in 2021. That year Tom stepped away from rugby to spend more family time with his amazing wife Tiff and his wonderful daughter Maisie. This summer the heart-breaking news came of Tiff’s passing from cancer. She was an inspiring lady for whom family was everything.
Throughout all this Tom and Ben have been there for each other, along with the unwavering support from their families, friends, teammates, the Leicester Tigers, England, and British & Irish Lions supporters, as well as the world-wide rugby community. This support is what sets rugby apart from all other sports. The belief that you are not an individual but part of something more, a family, through the best and worst of times.
We are here tonight to recognise that the brothers have given so much to their club, their country, and the sport we all love. Both boys representing Leicester Tigers for their whole careers, Tom captaining the club through some of the toughest times in the club's history, Ben playing a record number of times for England's men and both representing the most exclusive rugby club in the world, the British & Irish Lions. The pair have amassed a total of 145 England Caps and 5 British & Irish Lions Caps. Finally, this season rather fittingly both brothers lifted, with their children, the Premiership Rugby Champions Trophy at Twickenham.
This evening we are also honoured by many British & Irish Lions, England, other rugby legends as well as the rugby supporters to celebrate with the boys their fabulous rugby careers.
Tonight’s event could not have been possible without the wonderful and steadfast support of the committee. Supporting the committee and I throughout has been Legend Events, who have made this evening such a fantastic celebration.
But most importantly we are also here to raise money in order to support two amazing charities, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Blood Cancer UK. Both charities do pioneering research, while supporting the individuals and families that are affected by these terrible diseases. Both charities have been unbelievable with the support they have given to the Youngs family and their friends over the last few years.
So please reach deep into your pockets, bid generously and let's celebrate Tom and Ben Youngs, the rugby family, and the wonderful game.
Have a great evening.
Adrian
Adrian C P Lott
Chairman
Youngs Testimonial Committee
Introducing our Charity Partners...
Blood Cancer UK
We are absolutely delighted to be joining you this evening, and so incredibly thankful to Tom and Ben for nominating us as one of their chosen charities. Thank you also to the amazing Committee and to the team at Legend that have made this event possible.
Many of you will know that Tom’s wife Tiffany tragically passed away from blood cancer. Blood cancer is a truly horrible disease that can affect anyone, at any stage of their life. The money that you raise tonight will fund medical research to move us ever closer to the day when no lives are lost to blood cancer.
Blood Cancer UK is a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we’ve invested over £500 million in
blood cancer research, which has transformed treatments. But there is still so much more to do. Right now, our community is funding 145 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and our researchers are determined to finish the job.
As well as looking for a cure, we’re here for people when they need someone to talk to. Whether on the phone or online, we offer health information people can trust, in a language they can understand.
We also campaign for change, helping to make sure that people get the healthcare they deserve and that new treatments that come from research breakthroughs are available on the NHS.
Thank you so much again for your generosity and support, and here’s to an amazing evening celebrating the wonderful careers of two fantastic rugby players and two great guys.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Today in the UK, six people will hear the devastating news that they have motor neurone disease (MND). In that instant,
their world, and the world of their loved ones, is shattered. MND attacks the nerves that control movement, leaving those affected unable to walk, talk, eat and ultimately to breathe.
A third of people with MND die within a year and over half within two years of diagnosis. There is no cure.
But thanks to supporters like you, we’re able to help people with MND to access co-ordinated multi-disciplinary care to improve their quality of life and life expectancy. Alongside the MND community, we’re raising awareness of the disease and working with local councils and MPs in Westminster and the devolved nations to campaign for their rights. At the same time, in the UK and beyond, MND researchers that we fund are continuing to push the boundaries of science, working collaboratively and making important advances towards new treatments and therapies for the disease.
Please join Tom and Ben Youngs in helping tackle motor neurone disease by supporting the MND Association.
With your help, we know we can win the fight against MND.