Sports stars gather for MND fundraising dinner

Fundraisers are hoping that an event held in honour of a former cricketer with motor neurone disease (MND) will have raised thousands for charity.

More than 700 sports stars and friends of David "Syd" Lawrence were invited to a sporting dinner at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Thursday night.

The former Gloucestershire and England fast-bowler, 60, was diagnosed with MND in June. The money raised from the event will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Professional Cricketers' Trust.

Mr Lawrence said: "So many people have come out to support me and the MND charity, it’s overwhelming."

The dinner was organised more than four months ago by Mr Lawrence's friend and fellow former cricketer, Andy Brassington.

Mr Brassington, who has known Mr Lawrence for 44 years, said their friendship "means the world" to him.

"He's a great character and we're all in it together," he said.

"He's been dealt this terrible hand. It's a terrible disease and you've got to be there for him."

Sports stars from around the world recorded video messages to pay tribute to Mr Lawrence.

Former England cricketer Jack Russell MBE also attended with an original painting of him and Mr Lawrence sharing their Test debut together at Lords in 1988.

The piece depicts Mr Lawrence bowling from the Pavillion end and Mr Russell keeping wicket.

The original painting has sold and 300 prints are also for sale.

Mr Russell said: "You feel so helpless - with MND you can't do anything.

"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 added: "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."

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