Sports Figures Convene for MND Fundraising Dinner

An event organized to honor David “Syd” Lawrence, a former cricketer diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), is anticipated by fundraisers to have generated thousands of pounds for charitable causes. Over 700 sports personalities and acquaintances of Mr. Lawrence attended a sporting dinner held at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Thursday night. Mr. Lawrence, a 60-year-old former fast-bowler for Gloucestershire and England, received his MND diagnosis in June. Proceeds from this gathering are designated for donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust. Mr. Lawrence expressed his gratitude, stating: “So many people have come out to support me and the MND charity, it’s overwhelming.” The dinner’s organization began over four months prior, spearheaded by Andy Brassington, a friend and former cricketer colleague of Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Brassington, who has maintained a friendship with Mr. Lawrence for 44 years, commented that their bond “means the world” to him. He added: “He’s a great character and we’re all in it together,” and “He’s been dealt this terrible hand. It’s a terrible disease and you’ve got to be there for him.” Athletes globally contributed video tributes honoring Mr. Lawrence. Jack Russell MBE, another former England cricketer, was present at the event, bringing an original painting that commemorates his and Mr. Lawrence’s shared Test debut at Lords in 1988. The artwork portrays Mr. Lawrence bowling from the Pavillion end while Mr. Russell is shown keeping wicket. The initial painting has been sold, and 300 prints of it are also available for purchase. Mr. Russell remarked: “You feel so helpless – with MND you can’t do anything.” He continued, “It was a pleasure to do [the painting] and Syd’s seen it and he loves it. It brought back a lot of memories for us.” Mr. Russell further stated: “One thing we do know is [Mr Lawrence] is a fighter. “He’ll keep fighting and he knows he’s got the support behind him.” For updates, engage with BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story concepts can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This material is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details concerning our policy on external linking are available.