When James Bracey thinks of Syd Lawrence, his mind does not immediately drift to statistics, wickets taken, or career milestones. Instead, he recalls a man whose generosity to Gloucestershire cricket was boundless and whose presence left an indelible mark on everyone around him.
This Sunday, Gloucestershire will pay tribute to the late England fast‑bowler Syd Lawrence during their Metro Bank One‑Day Cup clash with Nottinghamshire. The team will don a specially designed kit and will use the occasion to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), an organisation that has supported Lawrence throughout his battle with the illness.
For Bracey, the event carries a deep personal resonance. Among the many memories he holds dear, one stands out above the rest: the September 2024 T20 Blast final, when Gloucestershire clinched the tournament for the first time in the club’s history. Despite his deteriorating health, Lawrence travelled to the match and was invited to present the trophy to the victorious side.
"That moment meant the world to me," Bracey told Sky Sports. "We were overjoyed to have finally won the Blast, but seeing how much the achievement meant to Syd, even as his condition was progressing, was profoundly moving.
It reminded us all just how deeply he loved the club. Watching his face light up as he lifted that trophy is a memory I’ll cherish forever." Lawrence, who succumbed to motor neurone disease in June 2025 at the age of 61, remains one of the most influential figures in Gloucestershire’s modern history.
He broke new ground in 1988 by becoming the first British‑born Black cricketer to represent England in Test cricket, and later he made history again by serving as Gloucestershire’s first Black president. While Bracey never had the chance to see Lawrence play at the highest level, the former’s impact on the county was unmistakable. "From what I’ve observed, Syd was an exceptionally kind‑hearted individual, incredibly approachable, and he cared deeply about every aspect of Gloucestershire cricket," Bracey said. "Whenever he was at the ground, he would strike up conversations with players, staff, and supporters alike.
He had a larger‑than‑life personality and an energy that could fill the entire stadium." The upcoming tribute is also intended to shine a light on motor neurone disease and the vital work carried out by the MNDA. Bracey highlighted how Lawrence’s openness about his diagnosis helped raise public awareness.
"Syd was very public about his condition, which helped people understand the realities of living with motor neurone disease," Bracey explained. "But the disease doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts families, friends, and the wider community. That’s why the MNDA’s approach is so valuable – they support the patient while also providing resources and emotional assistance to those around them." Lawrence’s influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of Gloucestershire.
As a pioneering Black cricketer, he helped dismantle barriers and opened doors for future generations of players from diverse backgrounds. Bracey reflected on the progress made since Lawrence’s debut, while acknowledging that the journey is far from over. "We’ve certainly seen a lot of progress in terms of inclusion and representation in the game," Bracey noted. "However, there is still much work to be done to sustain that momentum and to push for even greater equality.
Syd’s legacy reminds us that change is possible, but it requires ongoing commitment." As Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire meet on the field to honour Lawrence’s memory, Bracey hopes that fans will remember not only the cricketer and trailblazer but also the compassionate individual behind the accolades. "Whenever I think of Syd, I’m taken back to that unforgettable day in September 2024," he said. "It was a moment of pure joy for me to witness how much the victory meant to him. The emotion on his face, the pride he felt – it was a powerful reminder of why we play the game." The weekend’s ceremony will celebrate a man whose affection for Gloucestershire never waned, even as his health declined.
Through the special kit, the fundraising efforts, and the stories shared by teammates and supporters, Lawrence’s spirit will continue to inspire the club he loved so dearly. The tribute serves as a reminder that the values of perseverance, generosity, and community that he embodied remain at the heart of Gloucestershire cricket, guiding future generations both on and off the pitch.