The Gloucestershire cricket family is coming together this month to support one of its favourite sons.

David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, a tearaway fast bowler back in the 1980s and now the club’s president, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 12 months ago.

Syd, who is 61, was born in Gloucester, and the county are doing everything they can to help him fight MND, a condition that affects the brains and nerves causing weaknesses that get worse over time.

The upcoming T20 Blast game against Hampshire at Bristol on Friday 20^th June (7pm) will be turning pink for ‘Pink 4 Syd’ day.

Gloucestershire’s players will wear pink shirts during the game and the fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. 

The event aims to raise funds and awareness for MND while honouring Syd.

“It would be fantastic to sell out the ground in support of Syd and MND,” said Gloucestershire chairman Peter Matthews.

And on Friday, a charity game between Syd’s XI and The Lashings will take place at Downend Cricket Club (2.30pm).  

Syd’s team will be captained by his son Buster and will include former England stars Devon Malcolm and Norman Cowans.

Ex-Gloucestershire players Matt Windows, Martyn Ball and Tim Hancock will also be part of the team. 

The Lashings XI includes Syd’s one-time Gloucestershire new-ball partner Courtney Walsh alongside another former West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge.

Ex-England stars Chris Lewis, John Emburey, and Monty Panesar will also play. 

The gates open at noon and entry is by donation on the day.

There will be collections around the boundary and hospitality packages, as well as live and silent auctions to raise funds. 

Syd played close on 300 games for Gloucestershire taking more than 550 wickets. He also won five Test caps.