Friends Share Laughter and Support Amidst MND Diagnoses

Andy Brassington and Fraser Balmain each learned the four words, “I have got MND,” from their respective best friends, former cricketer David ‘Syd’ Lawrence and ex-rugby player Ed Slater. These two sportsmen have shared their experiences of laughing and crying with their former teammates, who are confronting a terminal illness for which there is no cure. Former rugby league star Kevin Sinfield is participating in his latest challenge to raise funds for MND charities, in memory of his friend Rob Burrow. This involves running seven ultra marathons across seven regions over seven days. On Monday, Sinfield, who is currently the England rugby union defence coach, is scheduled to run from Gloucester to Bristol. He plans to meet David Lawrence, a former Gloucestershire and England cricketer, along the route. When Andy Brassington was a first-class wicketkeeper, his concerns were more about LBW than MND. He shared a dressing room with David Lawrence, who was one of the fastest bowlers in the game, perceived as strong, fit, and invincible. After leaving cricket, David trained as a bodybuilder and became an over-fifties champion. However, a recent MND diagnosis has been devastating. “When people see him for the first time they’re amazed,” Andy stated. “It’s affected him quite quickly. But he’s still got that lovely smile and a great sense of humour.” The journalist conducted the interview with Andy at the county ground in Bristol, the home of his former club, Gloucestershire. Following Covid, Andy initiated weekly ‘Walkers and Talkers’ sessions, where individuals gather to stroll around the pitch and discuss various matters. Most attendees are men who have discovered the benefit of discussing not only sports but also their feelings and fears. Andy invited fellow professional sportsman Fraser Balmain, a rugby player who currently plays prop forward for Saracens in the Premiership. Fraser, recovering from a tooth extraction, carefully sipped coffee while discussing his friend, Ed Slater. They played together at Gloucester, where Ed was notably an “alpha male.” Ed, aged 36, received his MND diagnosis in 2022. He had a successful rugby career with the Cherry and Whites, played over 100 matches for Leicester Tigers, and represented England Saxons. He now relies on care for even basic daily activities. Fraser explained that their friendship was based on banter when they were on the field, a dynamic that has not changed. “It’s incredibly tough to see. He’s fought MND with the same ferocity that he played with on the rugby pitch,” Fraser remarked. “He’s still the same bloke. We still have a laugh.” He added, “A lot people don’t realise with MND that they’re exactly the same mentally and they’ve got the same sense of humour that they always have. That’s the great thing of friendship really that even through tough times he will still take the mick out of me.” “I spent every day with him when I played at Gloucester. We would sit down and have a laugh. Now we chill together. We have a laugh and that will never change,” Fraser concluded. The journalist found Ed’s situation particularly moving, noting that despite never having met him, Ed is the same age as the journalist’s son. Ed, who is six foot five and weighed 18 stone during his playing career, is also described as good looking. The journalist expressed that it was heartbreaking that this illness had taken away his dreams. Fraser continued, “I remember when Ed first started wondering about some twitches down his arm. In rugby, that’s not too uncommon. I’ve had it when I have hurt my neck. I was on holiday in Barbados when he called me and told me it was MND.” “This is what I find so difficult with MND. With other illnesses you can put a positive spin on that. Cancer for example you can say we can fight this. With MND there isn’t a cure. I didn’t know what to say. He was the first one to speak and say we have got to crack on with it.” Andy placed an arm on Fraser’s shoulders, commenting, “It was a similar story with Syd. When it’s your mate you are with and you are hugging him you can see the physical difference and Syd’s exactly the same. Bit by bit he’s got smaller. But you are spot on, that laughter and fun and taking the mickey, that’s what keeps us going.” Andy further stated, “I think for Syd and for Ed and all the people going through this – it’s knowing people are out there caring. We’re there if you need us. If you want to talk give us a shout.” Outside the clubhouse, the walk and talk session concluded. Attendees reported feeling better after their conversations. Andy and Fraser also appeared to benefit from sharing their experiences. Both are actively working to raise money for their friends and emphasize the importance of communication and support. Upon driving away, the journalist reflected that this bond extended beyond mere friendship, describing it as love. For further updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.