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 can not over come. 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 power fully 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
About the authors: Born in Gloucester to Jamaican parents, Dave Lawrence was playing for the county of his birth aged just 17. Seven years later he became the first British-born Black man to play Test cricket for England but his international career was cut short in dramatic fashion when he shattered his kneecap playing against New Zealand in 1992. He was forced to retire from cricket aged 29, but went on to forge successful careers as both a nightclub owner and a bodybuilder. In 2024 he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He is the serving president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Dean Wilson is a writer, broadcaster and sports media consultant with almost 25 years' experience in the sports industry. In 2006,aged just 26, he became the first Black cricket correspondent of any UK national newspaper when he joined the Daily Mirror. Remaining in the role for almost 18 years he was the long-term ghost writer for both Lord Ian Botham and Ben Stokes. Dean has commentated on cricket, rugby union and rugby league for the BBC, appeared asan expert contributor on BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and CNN, and is a sports presenter on BBCRadio 4's Today programme. He is the current chair of the Cricket Writers' Club, and lives in South West London with his wife, two daughters, dog and cat. This is his fourth book
