Tributes 'True warrior' Syd, 61, dies after brave battle with MND

RAILBLAZING cricketer, champion bodybuilder, legendary Bristol bar owner and devoted charity fundraiser David 'Syd' Lawrence has died at the age of 61.

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Syd, the first British-born Black man to play for England, revealed a year ago he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease which he explained set him in “a race against the clock” to complete his autobiography before he lost the power of speech.

In Syd’s Voice was published on June 12. The following day he was given the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to cricket.

Announcing his death yesterday his family said: “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 well as his six outings for England - having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord’s in 1991, collecting four for 67 - Syd bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire.