Gloucestershire legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence diagnosed with MND

Gloucestershire legend and cricketing icon David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, the club has confirmed.

Gloucester-born Lawrence played in 280 matches for his home county between 1981 and 1997 and took 625 wickets during his career at Nevil Road. He was capped five times by England and since retiring has been a prominent figure, both within cricket and as a community leader in Bristol.

The 60-year-old was diagnosed earlier this month after a series of tests but wishes to see out the entirety of his Presidency at Gloucestershire having been appointed in 2022.

“Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis,” said Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown. “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 and all of their family and friends.”

Lawrence was a devastatingly quick bowler in his heyday, famously opening the Gloucestershire attack with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh. His promising England career was cut short by a knee injury and he was forced to retire at the age of 29.

He became a champion bodybuilder in his 40s, and also owned the popular city nightclub Dojo on Park Row, which unexpectedly closed earlier this month after 25 years.

In a statement, Gloucestershire note that, “David and his wife, Gaynor, are hugely appreciative for the unwavering support they have received and will do in the future from friends and family.

“While devastated at the diagnosis, David will fight the disease all the way and has expressed his thanks to the Club, the PCA and the Hornsby Trust, for all their support during this extremely difficult time.”

MND is a rare condition which affects around one in 300 people. It progressively damages parts of the nervous system. Awareness has increased in recent years due to the stories of former international rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddy Weir, while in 2023 former Bristol City and Bristol Rovers striker Marcus Stewart revealed his diagnosis.

“The PCA is in deep shock at the tragic news David Lawrence has recently received,” said Ian Thomas, Managing Director of Member Services at the Professional Cricketers Association.

“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.”