This is the story of former England fast bowler Dave 'Syd' Lawrence, a man used to facing and overcoming challenges. From becoming the first British-born Black man to play Test cricket for England to owning and running a fixture of the Bristol nightclub scene for more than 25 years, from coaching cricket at a local school to winning the West of England amateur bodybuilding title three times - whatever Syd has set his mind to achieving, he has usually done so with great skill and a flourish.
However in June 2024, Syd was forced to accept a fresh challenge, and one that he simply cannot overcome. Following months of inconclusive tests in a Bristol hospital, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Already left without the use of his legs, he had to face a new reality that would mean a deterioration across the rest of his body, a loss of independence, the requirement of carers, and gradually the loss of his voice. For a once powerfully built athlete with booming voice to match, this was a particularly cruel fate, knowing all his physical abilities would be stripped away from him bit by bit.
Before his voice disappeared completely and he was forced to rely on a voice bank for communication, Syd committed to telling his extraordinary life story. This book is the culmination of that decision, detailing the most recent months since his diagnosis, alongside the memories of his 61 years so far - a life well-lived, full of surprising stories.
