Former Gloucestershire fast bowler and current club president David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The 60-year-old ex-England international, who earned five Test caps, was diagnosed with MND earlier this month following a series of tests.

Gloucester born and bred, Syd, as he is affectionately known, played in 280 matches for his home county between 1981 and 1997 and took 625 wickets during his career at Nevil Road.

A hugely popular figure among the Gloucestershire and wider England fanbase, Syd was unveiled as club president in April 2022 and despite his MND diagnosis has said he wishes to see out the entirety of his presidency at Gloucestershire.

Syd 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, Syd 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.

Will Brown, outgoing chief executive at Gloucestershire, 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 and all of their family and friends.”

Ian Thomas, managing director of Member Services at the PCA, 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.”