James Bracey’s thoughts about Syd Lawrence are not dominated by statistics, records or personal achievements. Instead, he recalls a man whose generosity to Gloucestershire cricket never waned. This Sunday, the county side will pay tribute to the former England fast‑bowler during their Metro Bank One‑Day Cup clash with Nottinghamshire.
Players will don a specially designed kit and the match will serve as a fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). For Bracey, the event carries a deeply personal resonance. The memory that stands out most vividly for him dates back to September 2024, when Gloucestershire clinched the T20 Blast for the first time in the club’s history.
Despite battling motor neurone disease at the time, Lawrence was on hand to hand over the trophy. "That moment meant a lot to me," Bracey told Sky Sports. "We were overjoyed to have secured the Blast after years of effort, but seeing how much the victory mattered to Syd, even in the midst of his illness, was profoundly moving." He went on to explain that Lawrence’s reaction underscored the depth of his affection for the club. "When he lifted that silverware, his face lit up.
It was a reminder that his love for Gloucestershire remained as strong as ever, and that image stays with me whenever I think of him." Lawrence, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 61, remains one of the most pivotal figures in the county’s modern history. He broke new ground in 1988 as the first British‑born Black cricketer to earn a Test cap for England, and later became Gloucestershire’s inaugural Black president.
Although Bracey never had the chance to watch Lawrence play, the former fast bowler’s influence was unmistakable throughout the club. "From what I’ve observed, Syd was a remarkably kind and approachable individual who cared deeply about Gloucestershire cricket," Bracey said. "Whenever he was at the ground he was chatting with everyone – players, staff, supporters.
He had a larger‑than‑life personality and an endless well of energy." The upcoming tribute also aims to raise awareness of motor neurone disease and to showcase the vital work carried out by the MNDA. "Syd was very open about his condition, which helped bring the disease into the public eye," Bracey noted. "But the impact of MND extends beyond the individual; it touches families, friends and entire communities. That’s why the MNDA’s holistic approach – supporting both the patient and their loved ones – is so crucial." Beyond his contributions to Gloucestershire, Lawrence’s legacy reverberates throughout English cricket.
As a pioneering Black athlete, he helped dismantle barriers and opened doors for future generations of players from diverse backgrounds. "We have certainly seen progress since Syd’s debut," Bracey observed. "Nevertheless, there is still considerable work to be done to ensure that the sport continues to become more inclusive and representative." As Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire prepare to meet on the field, Bracey hopes fans will remember not only the cricketer and trailblazer but also the man behind the accolades.
"Whenever I think of Syd, I’m taken back to that day in 2024," he said. "It was a joyous, unforgettable moment, and it showed me how much that achievement meant to him personally." The weekend’s ceremony will celebrate a figure whose devotion to Gloucestershire never faded, even as his health declined.
Through the commemorative kit, the fundraising drive, and the stories shared by teammates and supporters, Lawrence’s spirit will continue to inspire the club he loved. His commitment to the game, his groundbreaking role in breaking racial barriers, and his courageous battle with motor neurone disease combine to form a legacy that will endure for years to come, guiding future players and reminding the cricketing world of the power of perseverance, compassion and community.