Former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence has declared he is not afraid of death and is ready to take on the challenge after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Lawrence, 60, learned of his diagnosis earlier this year. MND is a rare and progressive condition that impacts the brain and nerves, for which no cure currently exists. The disease has claimed the lives of several prominent sports figures, including former England rugby player Rob Burrow and Scottish rugby star Doddie Weir.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Lawrence, who took 625 wickets during a 16-year career at Gloucestershire and represented England in five Test matches, shared that Burrow’s battle had been a source of inspiration for him. He also spoke to his former teammate, Kevin Sinfield, for advice.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, Lawrence shared, "Rob Burrow reminded me that you need to be brave in the face of this illness, and it's true. Every day is difficult, but we keep fighting and cherishing the moments we have."
He admitted that the changes in his life since the diagnosis have been hard to accept. After a slow recovery from a knee replacement, Lawrence found himself struggling to walk by Christmas, and he spent three months in the hospital this year. By June, he received the devastating news that he had MND.
"I’ve always been a strong, independent man, so having to rely on others now has been one of the toughest challenges," Lawrence said. "I need help every day—to get dressed, to shower. You have to let go of your pride and face reality."
Despite the gravity of his condition, Lawrence expressed no fear of death. "Many fear the unknown, but I already know how my life will end. You can't dwell too much on the future because that will overwhelm you. We’re all going to die someday—I just know how it will happen for me, and I’m not afraid."
Burrow and Sinfield have already raised more than £15 million for MND charities, and Lawrence is now planning his own fundraising initiatives. He believes that athletes like himself, who have been affected by the disease, can continue to raise awareness and support others in similar situations.
"I never imagined MND would affect me," Lawrence said. "But Kevin Sinfield has been a great support, offering help to me and my wife and even connecting us with Rob Burrow’s family. It was an incredibly kind gesture, and it shows how much he has done for this cause."
Lawrence pointed out the importance of giving a voice to those struggling with MND but lacking a public platform. "If we can help even one person through this, it's worth it. Athletes are used to overcoming challenges—we have big goals and strong spirits. This is the hardest battle, but we’ll face it head-on. We may not win, but we’re definitely up for the fight."