'My brain is still going, but my body isn't': McCloy's message of thanks to MND walkers
He can't be with them, but Jeff McCloy has sent a message of thanks to everyone who will trek from Redhead to Newcastle on Wednesday to support people facing motor neuron disease (MND).
The icon of the Hunter's construction industry was diagnosed with the terminal condition in mid-2024, aged 75.
McCloy Group staff have teamed up with the Coastal Wayfarers for Wednesday's 16-kilometre bush, beach and path walk from Redhead Surf Life Saving Club to Queens Wharf in Newcastle.
There are more than 500 people in NSW living with MND, of which 60 to 80 are in the Hunter.
Most sufferers need high levels of support and assistance.
Wednesday's walk will raise funds to help MND NSW support people living with the disease and their families, including enabling access to assistive equipment, support groups and education.
It is hoped the Redhead to Newcastle walk will become an annual event.
Mr McCloy, who has relocated to the Gold Coast, thanked everyone who was supporting the event.
"My brain is still going, but my body isn't," he said.
"Before I got MND, I didn't know anything about it; everyone knows about cancer and heart attacks, but MND remains relatively unknown. I want to help to try to find a cure for it through research."
"I hope the (Coastal Wayfarers) walk keeps on growing."
Mr McCloy has made a $1 million donation to support Motor Neuron Research, which will be announced at this Friday's MND Gala Dinner in Sydney.
"I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said.
Mr McCloy told the Newcastle Herald in January that his symptoms began appearing several years before he was diagnosed.
"I didn't understand what they [the early symptoms] were," he said.
"I used to walk out to the breakwater, but it became increasingly hard. After a while, I found it difficult to get to Nobbys, and my walks kept getting shorter."
He stood down as chairman of the McCloy Group in January, but remains its biggest shareholder.
Wednesday's walk starts at Redhead Surf Club at 8.30am.
Click to support the Coastal Wayfarers
He can't be with them, but Jeff McCloy has sent a message of thanks to everyone who will trek from Redhead to Newcastle on Wednesday to support people facing motor neuron disease (MND).
The icon of the Hunter's construction industry was diagnosed with the terminal condition in mid-2024, aged 75.
McCloy Group staff have teamed up with the Coastal Wayfarers for Wednesday's 16-kilometre bush, beach and path walk from Redhead Surf Life Saving Club to Queens Wharf in Newcastle.
There are more than 500 people in NSW living with MND, of which 60 to 80 are in the Hunter.
Most sufferers need high levels of support and assistance.
Wednesday's walk will raise funds to help MND NSW support people living with the disease and their families, including enabling access to assistive equipment, support groups and education.
It is hoped the Redhead to Newcastle walk will become an annual event.
Mr McCloy, who has relocated to the Gold Coast, thanked everyone who was supporting the event.
"My brain is still going, but my body isn't," he said.
"Before I got MND, I didn't know anything about it; everyone knows about cancer and heart attacks, but MND remains relatively unknown. I want to help to try to find a cure for it through research."
"I hope the (Coastal Wayfarers) walk keeps on growing."
Mr McCloy has made a $1 million donation to support Motor Neuron Research, which will be announced at this Friday's MND Gala Dinner in Sydney.
"I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said.
Mr McCloy told the Newcastle Herald in January that his symptoms began appearing several years before he was diagnosed.
"I didn't understand what they [the early symptoms] were," he said.
"I used to walk out to the breakwater, but it became increasingly hard. After a while, I found it difficult to get to Nobbys, and my walks kept getting shorter."
He stood down as chairman of the McCloy Group in January, but remains its biggest shareholder.
Wednesday's walk starts at Redhead Surf Club at 8.30am.
Click to support the Coastal Wayfarers
He can't be with them, but Jeff McCloy has sent a message of thanks to everyone who will trek from Redhead to Newcastle on Wednesday to support people facing motor neuron disease (MND).
The icon of the Hunter's construction industry was diagnosed with the terminal condition in mid-2024, aged 75.
McCloy Group staff have teamed up with the Coastal Wayfarers for Wednesday's 16-kilometre bush, beach and path walk from Redhead Surf Life Saving Club to Queens Wharf in Newcastle.
There are more than 500 people in NSW living with MND, of which 60 to 80 are in the Hunter.
Most sufferers need high levels of support and assistance.
Wednesday's walk will raise funds to help MND NSW support people living with the disease and their families, including enabling access to assistive equipment, support groups and education.
It is hoped the Redhead to Newcastle walk will become an annual event.
Mr McCloy, who has relocated to the Gold Coast, thanked everyone who was supporting the event.
"My brain is still going, but my body isn't," he said.
"Before I got MND, I didn't know anything about it; everyone knows about cancer and heart attacks, but MND remains relatively unknown. I want to help to try to find a cure for it through research."
"I hope the (Coastal Wayfarers) walk keeps on growing."
Mr McCloy has made a $1 million donation to support Motor Neuron Research, which will be announced at this Friday's MND Gala Dinner in Sydney.
"I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said.
Mr McCloy told the Newcastle Herald in January that his symptoms began appearing several years before he was diagnosed.
"I didn't understand what they [the early symptoms] were," he said.
"I used to walk out to the breakwater, but it became increasingly hard. After a while, I found it difficult to get to Nobbys, and my walks kept getting shorter."
He stood down as chairman of the McCloy Group in January, but remains its biggest shareholder.
Wednesday's walk starts at Redhead Surf Club at 8.30am.
Click to support the Coastal Wayfarers
He can't be with them, but Jeff McCloy has sent a message of thanks to everyone who will trek from Redhead to Newcastle on Wednesday to support people facing motor neuron disease (MND).
The icon of the Hunter's construction industry was diagnosed with the terminal condition in mid-2024, aged 75.
McCloy Group staff have teamed up with the Coastal Wayfarers for Wednesday's 16-kilometre bush, beach and path walk from Redhead Surf Life Saving Club to Queens Wharf in Newcastle.
There are more than 500 people in NSW living with MND, of which 60 to 80 are in the Hunter.
Most sufferers need high levels of support and assistance.
Wednesday's walk will raise funds to help MND NSW support people living with the disease and their families, including enabling access to assistive equipment, support groups and education.
It is hoped the Redhead to Newcastle walk will become an annual event.
Mr McCloy, who has relocated to the Gold Coast, thanked everyone who was supporting the event.
"My brain is still going, but my body isn't," he said.
"Before I got MND, I didn't know anything about it; everyone knows about cancer and heart attacks, but MND remains relatively unknown. I want to help to try to find a cure for it through research."
"I hope the (Coastal Wayfarers) walk keeps on growing."
Mr McCloy has made a $1 million donation to support Motor Neuron Research, which will be announced at this Friday's MND Gala Dinner in Sydney.
"I have tried to do my best, but this disease is something that will be solved one day," Mr McCloy said.
Mr McCloy told the Newcastle Herald in January that his symptoms began appearing several years before he was diagnosed.
"I didn't understand what they [the early symptoms] were," he said.
"I used to walk out to the breakwater, but it became increasingly hard. After a while, I found it difficult to get to Nobbys, and my walks kept getting shorter."
He stood down as chairman of the McCloy Group in January, but remains its biggest shareholder.
Wednesday's walk starts at Redhead Surf Club at 8.30am.
Click to support the Coastal Wayfarers
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The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- The Advertiser
How Graham is tackling life, one year after he was diagnosed with an incurable disease
A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now."
News.com.au
4 days ago
- News.com.au
Cricket icon David Lawrence dead days after receiving King's Birthday award
England cricket legend David 'Syd' Lawrence has died aged 61 following a battle with motor neurone disease. The ex-Gloucestershire star was the first British-born black cricketer to play for England. The former fast bowler left an amazing legacy on the sport and was recently awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list. Lawrence, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, was incredibly proud to be honoured. Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. He said last week: 'It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name. 'I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.' Following Lawrence's sad passing, a family statement said: ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.' The ECB have paid tribute to Lawrence, calling him a 'pioneering' player who left an 'indelible mark' on the sport in this country. ECB chair Richard Thompson said: 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.' Lawrence played five test matches for England, only for his international career to be brutally cut short by a serious knee injury in 1992. He left an incredible mark on Gloucestershire, playing 280 matches for them over a 16-year span. Lawrence later returned to the club as president in 2022. Paying tribute to their legendary former fast bowler and executive, Gloucestershire wrote: 'Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. 'Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.' England star paid tribute to Lawrence ahead of today's match-up with India at Headingley. Stars including Ben Stokes took part in a minute's applause in honour of the cricket icon. David Lawrence managed to pack so much into the last few months of his life. He survived the terrible ravages of Motor Neurone Disease long enough to tell his tragic yet inspirational story and be awarded an MBE. Lawrence, who has died aged 61, was a huge-hearted fast bowler, body builder, night club owner and extrovert character with a booming voice. In his book In Syd's Voice, published earlier this month, Lawrence spoke about his shattering diagnosis last year and the impact on his life. As each week passed, the most basic tasks such as walking, talking and swallowing became more difficult and ultimately impossible. Lawrence's account was raw, emotional and difficult to read in places. He even said he was fortunate in some ways because of the love and care of his wife Gaynor and son Buster. He wrote: 'The ability to hold a knife and fork and bring food and drink to my mouth then started to wobble until it became impossible. Holding the TV remote control was another small thing that gave me some independence and now that has gone, too. 'I needed some help getting extra oxygen into my lungs at night, so I had a machine to help me with that. I now require that help during the day, too. 'I knew this is what I had to look forward to, but the reality is far more painful than I imagined.' While his voice was still strong enough, Lawrence programmed a machine which allowed him to communicate by saying words and sentences using his eyes to move a cursor across a screen. Lawrence was the last man to dismiss the great Viv Richards in Test cricket but his career was cut short by a knee injury in New Zealand in 1991. The Test match was a dead-set draw but, typically of Syd, he was charging in to bowl. The noise of his snapped kneecap and the subsequent roars of pain as he punched the ground could be heard from 100 yards away. Lawrence attempted a comeback a few years later but his career was effectively over. He owned a bar and then a nightclub in Bristol and competed as a body builder, winning an over-40s amateur competition. In 2022, he was elected president of his county Gloucestershire, the first black man to hold the office. Last week, Lawrence was made an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours and said: 'It's not something I ever thought would sit after my name. 'I'm absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I'm gone.'
7NEWS
5 days ago
- 7NEWS
Trailblazing cricket icon David ‘Syd' Lawrence dies of motor neurone disease, aged 61
Former England fast bowler David 'Syd' Lawrence has lost his battle with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 61. Lawrence was a trailblazer for international cricket, becoming the first British-born black player to represent England when he debuted in 1988. Since being diagnosed with MND last year, Lawrence has raised significant funds and awareness for the disease, for which he was appointed MBA in the King's Birthday honours earlier this month. BBC radio show Test Match Special shared the news of his death on Sunday night (AEST). 'It is with great sadness we report the passing of David 'Syd' Lawrence,' they said. 'Syd, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. He has died at the age of 61. 'The former fast bowler will forever be an England and Gloucestershire legend. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone impacted by this horrible disease. Rest peacefully, Syd.' A family statement read: 'Syd was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed.' Lawrence played five Tests for England, taking three wickets on debut against Sri Lanka, and 18 in total. In England though, he was better known for his decorated career at Gloucestershire, where he took 477 wickets at 31.27 in 170 first-class matches for the county. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different,' his family added. 'His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' On Sunday, players from England and India observed a minute's applause before play began on Day 3 of the first Test match of their series.
