PCA PRESS RELEASE
Former England seamer and Gloucestershire President David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has passed away, aged 61.
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David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has passed away aged 61 after bravely fighting motor neurone disease for over 12 months.
The former England international, who earned five Test caps and one ODI appearance, took 670 dismissals in First-Class and List A cricket, before a knee injury in Wellington all but ended his career, aged just 28.
The hugely popular figure then had successful careers as a nightclub owner and an award-winning bodybuilder before being unveiled as Gloucestershire President in 2022 amongst further impressive endeavours, as he revealed in his book that was released earlier this month.
Lawrence passed away with his family by his side on 21 June 2025, exactly one year after Lawrence publicly revealed his MND diagnosis.
A statement on behalf of the Lawrence family:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
“‘Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.
“A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.
“As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it.
“Syd’s wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.”
PCA Chief Executive and a Director of the Cricketers’ Trust, Daryl Mitchell, said:
“This is an extremely sad time for everybody associated with English cricket and especially Gloucestershire, a club where Syd remained as President and forever a club legend.
“A trailblazer as the first British-born Black player to represent England Men, Syd was a huge personality and will always be remembered for his illustrious career on and off the field.
“Syd bravely fought MND for over 12 months and used his platform to create awareness of this devastating disease. The Cricketers’ Trust was honoured to receive such generosity from Syd, as he told his story to the world in order to raise funds for fellow cricketers in need.
“Our thoughts are with Gaynor, Buster and the Lawrence family. We will always be here for you.”
