By Ollie Collins
Syd Lawrence is sitting comfortably in an executive box at the Bristol ground he still calls home, above the sight screen from where he used to charge in and give everything for his beloved county.
A juggernaut on the field, Lawrence, the Gloucestershire CCC president, remains a man mountain off it and until five years ago was still competing as a bodybuilder. That’s hard to imagine now as he sits in a support chair bespoke to his needs, talking bravely through tears in front of the Sky Sports cameras in an emotional and moving interview.
Aired for the first time today during the television coverage of Vitality Blast Finals Day, the conversation had to be paused so his wife Gaynor could wipe the tears from his face. But nothing would stop his incredible fight and desire to tell his story.
The 60-year-old describes himself as “a strong, fearsome, never-give-up, big-hearted fast bowler”.
He took 670 wickets in professional cricket, as well as winning five Test caps and one ODI cap, before a horrific knee injury in Wellington all but ended his career, aged just 28. After an operation to have his left kneecap removed last year, Lawrence wasn’t recovering.
He had a persistent tingling sensation in his toes and his right leg was giving way. There were four months in hospital, multiple tests and procedures, then came the diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) nine weeks ago.
“It’s your worst nightmare,” says Lawrence. “It was the worst day of my life. I call it the sadistic disease because it’s the worst you can get, you can’t look too far into the future because that’s what can scare you. I try to live in the present and enjoy every day.
“My family were there with me for the diagnosis and we were all devastated. It wasn’t the news we were expecting, we knew there was something wrong but we didn’t think it was MND.
“This is the new normal, we have to accept this is the new me and you’ve got to get on with it. I’ve had a good 60 years of my life and with whatever I’ve got left hopefully I can do a few things and try to make a difference – that’s all you can do.”
Lawrence’s parents came to the UK in the 1950s and in 1988 at Lord’s he became England’s first British-born Black Test player, an achievement he puts just behind the birth of his son in the proudest moments of his life.
“The injury in New Zealand that I suffered was devastating because it finished my playing days but I could deal with it as an athlete. But I’ve clearly done something to upset the big man upstairs because he ended my career and has now given me this disease – maybe he’s not a Gloucestershire fan!”
The Cricketers’ Trust was created to support the health and wellbeing of Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) members and their immediate families for the whole of their lives, when they need it most.
Today’s showpiece event in the county calendar is supporting the players’ charity for the fifth year in succession with the aim of raising vital funds so the Trust can continue to provide life-changing, often lifesaving provision.
The assistance for current and former players in England and Wales is all encompassing, whether it be for physical or mental needs including provision of specialist equipment, funding operations or specialist wellbeing support.
“The Trust were amazing when I got in touch,” says Lawrence. “They helped get me the right tests and counselling because I was really struggling with not knowing what was wrong with me. Being able to talk to someone and share my feelings in a really dark time was a huge help.”
The Trust has funded Lawrence’s chair, as well as contributing to house alterations, allowing him to move around the family home more freely.
“This chair that I get around in is wonderful, it does everything and gets me out and about, and the improvements that have been made to our home have really helped – the Trust has given us tremendous support.
“I’ve been aware of the Cricketers’ Trust for years as I’ve seen how they’ve helped Winston Davis and Shaun Udal. Seeing these stories makes you realise you never know what is around the corner and that’s why the Trust is such a great thing. It’s vital for current and ex-players.
“They’re always there for you – it’s a great charity that cricketers are lucky to have. I’m very grateful for how they’ve helped me and my family.”
Lawrence recently received a call from Kevin Sinfield CBE, the former rugby league player whose incredible fundraising efforts have raised millions and helped support his friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow through his MND journey.
“I had a great call with Kevin and he gave me lots of support and contacts,” Lawrence says. “It was an honour to chat to him and I told him what an incredible human being he is.”
Lawrence has also recently recorded his voice in preparation for the sad eventuality that he will likely lose the ability to speak naturally. He remains hopeful that he will be able to deliver a speech at his son Buster’s wedding in late September after it was brought forward due to the diagnosis.
“It wasn’t easy recording my voice but I’m glad it’s done. My wife can now write things that she wants me to say and I’ll have no choice! I really want my voice to be OK on the day of Buster’s wedding so I can make my father-of-the-groom speech.”
Lawrence is writing a book about his life in cricket and his MND journey due for publication in April next year. The book will cover his current daily struggles and deliver an insight into the changes that have occurred in his life.
“I just want to do as much as I can while I’m able,” he says. “If one person can take strength from that, then brilliant. There’s no doubt that with MND, you’ve got to be brave. I’ve always been a big strong guy but I have to accept it takes away some of your personality and that’s a difficult thing. Whatever this disease is, it cannot take away my fighting spirit.”
Alongside his fellow Trust beneficiary Udal, Lawrence is here today with his son.
“It’s always a great day to watch and I can’t wait to be there as a guest of the Cricketers’ Trust. Mark Alleyne has done a great job with the Gloucestershire boys this season, so naturally I’m hoping they can secure the win.”
You can support the Cricketers’ Trust by donating today Text TRUSTTEN or TRUSTTWENTY to 70085 to donate £10 or £20
*Texts cost £10/£20 plus one standard network rate message. 100% of your donation will support the work of the Cricketers’ Trust.