Cancer foundation helped me appreciate life, get over tough cricket times: Ponting

Sydney, May 20 (ANI): Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting, 37, has revealed that he and his wife Rianna's foundation, which supports charities that care for children with cancer, helped him during the tough times in his career.

He said the foundation's activities helped him to appreciate life rather than worrying about cricket critics.

"During the last Ashes series in Australia, we had a Milo kid stand in front of us when we sang the national anthem," he said.

"I organised it so I had a cancer patient in front of me as 'my' kid and I've kept in touch with most of them, though some kids from that five-Test series are no longer with us," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"It's tough, but that's the reason why Rianna and I do it. When you hear from the families about the impact you've had on their lives though an occasional text message and a meet 'n' greet before a game ... it's stuff money can't buy," Ponting said.

The Ponting Foundation has organised Cricket Rocks, fundraisers in Melbourne (May 31) and Sydney (June 2) to assist organizations, including the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia and Redkite.

The nights combine performances by the Justice Crew dance troupe in both cities, singer Damien Leith in Sydney and Stan Walker in Melbourne, and appearances by cricketing greats who will be auctioned off to play indoor cricket in nets strung up in both venues on the night.

Over the past 10 years, the Pontings have raised 10 million dollars for the cause. (ANI)