Image Credit- Gloucestershire
Motor neurone disease (MND) has been identified in former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler David “Syd” Lawrence.
A strongly built fast bowler, Lawrence made 280 appearances for Gloucestershire, taking 625 wickets for the team, and played five Test matches for England. He became Gloucestershire’s first African American president in 2022.
His diagnosis was made public by the team on Friday, adding him to the growing list of athletes afflicted with MND. Rob Burrow, a former rugby league player, passed away earlier this month from the illness.
Will Brown, Gloucestershire’s outgoing chief executive, said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis.
“David is an icon of the game, a club legend and a trailblazer as the first British-born Black player to play for England. More than that he is the best of people, kind, loving, considerate and an inspiration to all of us here at Gloucestershire.
“Working with him since he has been club president has been both an awesome and humbling experience – he has opened doors we didn’t even know were there, helped us learn and become a friend to so many of us. That friendship is a very special thing and one I know we all cherish.
“I know I speak for everyone associated with the club in sending all our love to David, Gaynor [Lawrence’s wife] and all of their family and friends.”
Between 1988 and 1992, Lawrence participated in five Test matches and one One-Day International for England. However, at the age of 28, he had a fractured kneecap while running in to bowl against New Zealand in Wellington, ultimately ending his career.
Five years later, he made an effort at a comeback, making four first-class appearances for Gloucestershire before he was forced to retire. Despite this setback, he stayed in shape and eventually took up competitive bodybuilding.
Ian Thomas, managing director of member services at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, said: “The PCA is in deep shock at the tragic news David Lawrence has recently received. David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND.
“The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support.”