David Lawrence, 60, a former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
A rare disease called motor neuron disease (MND) affects the brain and nerves, gradually weakening them over time. Even though MND has no known cure, there are a number of treatments that can lessen its effects on day-to-day functioning.
Lawrence was a strong-built fast bowler who played in five Test matches for England. He also made 298 appearances for Gloucestershire and took 625 wickets for the team. The former cricket player made history as the first Black president of Gloucestershire in 2022.
Lawrence’s career was cut short by a terrible knee injury just after he made a name for himself on the Test squad. Lawrence broke his left kneecap as he prepared to bowl on the last day of a deadly Test match against New Zealand in Wellington in 1992. His agonising screams reverberated throughout the stadium as he collapsed in pain. His knee shattering sounding like a pistol shot was described by onlookers.
His Test career, and hence his first-class career, came to an end with this injury. Before he permanently retired, he made an effort at a comeback five years later, playing four first-class matches for Gloucestershire. Nevertheless, he continued to be physically active and went on to seek bodybuilding competitions.
After he came forward in 2021 about his encounters with racism at Gloucestershire, the team unconditionally apologised. He has since taken a leading role in implementing the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme in Bristol.
His diagnosis, which the team made public on Friday, adds him to the growing list of athletes affected by motor neuron disease (MND). Rob Burrow, a former rugby league player, passed away earlier this month.
David Lawrence is the epitome of a nice, compassionate, thoughtful person who inspires everyone: David Brown
Both Ian Thomas, the director of member services at the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), and David Brown, the outgoing chief executive of Gloucestershire, fundamentally emphasised Lawrence’s significant legacy and commended his many human qualities. They conveyed how deeply shocked they were at their organisations to learn of Lawrence’s diagnosis and wished him well in his fight against the illness.
David is a trailblazer, a club legend, and the first Black footballer of British descent to represent England in international competition. Above all, he’s the greatest person—kind, loving, thoughtful, and an example to all of us here at Gloucestershire,” Brown remarked.
“The tragic news that David Lawrence recently received has left the PCA deeply shocked.” Thomas stated, “We have no doubt David will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND. David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career.”
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