Tributes have poured in for Gloucestershire president David ‘Syd’ Lawrence who died at the age of 61 at the weekend.

In his final year, Syd faced motor neurone disease with the same courage and determination that defined his cricketing life.

The cricket world rallied behind him, with fundraising efforts led by the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), a charity endorsed by his both Syd and his family, and supported by the wider cricketing community.

A statement on behalf of the family read: “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.”

Fundraising efforts culminated in Pink 4 Syd, a special evening where the club honoured Syd with a pink kit and raised vital funds for MNDA during Gloucestershire’s T20 Blast game against Hampshire Hawks at Bristol on Friday.

Syd’s life was about far more than cricket, but the game was always close to his heart.

Born in Gloucester on 28th January 1964, David Valentine Lawrence made his debut for Gloucestershire at just 17. Over a 16-year career, he became a club icon – known for his thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling and ever-present energy.

He formed a formidable new-ball partnership with West Indies great Courtney Walsh and delivered countless memorable performances.

He played 170 first-class matches for Gloucestershire, taking 477 wickets at 31.27, including a best of 7-47 against Warwickshire.

In one-day cricket, he claimed 148 wickets in 110 appearances, with a standout 6-20 against a Combined Universities XI in 1991 – the third best return in Gloucestershire’s 50-over history.

In 1990, Lawrence took a memorable hat-trick against Nottinghamshire in a fiery spell that saw him finish with 5-51.

His county success earned him England honours. In 1988, he became the first British-born black man to play Test cricket for England, making his debut at Lord’s against Sri Lanka.

He played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets, including a famous five-wicket-haul against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991 – in the same innings he dismissed the great Viv Richards.

He also made one ODI appearance, recording remarkable figures of 4-67, which remain the best bowling figures by a player who only played one One-Day International.

A devastating knee injury in 1992 ended his international career prematurely, but Syd’s life off the field was just as remarkable. He went on to become a nightclub owner, a competitive bodybuilder and a leading advocate for inclusion and diversity in cricket.

But his connection to Gloucestershire never faded.

In 2022, he was appointed as the first black president in the history of Gloucestershire Cricket – a title he held until the day of his passing.

The presidency was a significant and emotional return for a man who had given so much to the county and who continued to champion its future.

In 2025 he was awarded both an MBE for services to cricket and an honorary ECB Life Vice-Presidency – recognition of not just his playing career, but his work in the community and courage during his illness.

Following his MND diagnosis in 2024, Syd remained open and defiant. In collaboration with cricket writer Dean Wilson, Syd published his autobiography, 'In Syd’s Voice', using assistive technology to dictate his story.

The book was widely praised for its honesty, humour and strength, and it became a vital part of his legacy – capturing the personality and drive that had always set him apart.

Syd became a powerful rallying figure across cricket, with events, charity matches and donations pouring in from around the world. The Pink 4 Syd match was both a celebration and a farewell – a night when cricket honoured one of its true characters.

Chief executive at Gloucestershire, Neil Priscott, said: “Everyone connected with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club will be devastated with the news of Syd’s passing and we send all our love to his incredible family and friends.

“The executive team at the club were of course aware of his fine record as a one-county man but we all got to truly know and love him as our current president.

“He was so passionate about the power of cricket and how our sport can touch people’s lives. Syd pushed us to reach out to communities far and wide and we shall continue to do that in his honour.

“Friday night’s Pink 4 Syd match was a fitting tribute to a Gloucestershire great and we are very sad to have lost someone so special.”

Chairman at Gloucestershire Cricket, Peter Matthews, added: “Firstly, everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to Syd's family who supported him so well during his illness. As a club, we will support them in any way we can.

“Syd was truly a Gloucestershire great, both on and off the field. As a player he was one of our greatest ever fast bowlers, who deservedly earned Test caps while with us.

“On retirement, he continued to be heavily involved with club, and was both a supportive and active president. He will be hugely missed.”

Gloucestershire one-day left-arm seam bowler David Payne said: “On behalf of the players, I’d like to offer our sincerest condolences to Syd’s family at this truly devastating time.

“Syd was a true legend of the club and someone every player had immense respect for – not just because of the fantastic cricketer he was, but for the amazing person he was, and what he gave to this club both on and off the field.

“Sharing last year’s T20 success with Syd is a memory we will never forget and will cherish forever.

“Syd will always be an inspiration to us all, and we thank him for everything he did for our great game.”

David Lawrence was more than just a fast bowler. He was a pioneer, a mentor, and a symbol of resilience. His presence on and off the field will be remembered by all who knew him, played with him, or simply watched him tear in from his long run-up.

His contributions will never be forgotten.