As a tribute to former Gloucestershire bowler David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, his great friend and former team mate Jack Russell MBE has produced a stunning painting of them sharing their Test debut together at Lord's. Prints of the painting are available to buy, with all fees going directly to Lawrence and his family.
Lawrence, who played five Tests for England as well as taking 625 wickets for Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year at the age of 60. During his career, he featured in the iconic Gloucestershire bowling attack of the eighties alongside Courtney Walsh and Kevin Curran.
The painting by Russell, shows Lawrence bowling from the Pavillion End at Lord's with Russell keeping wicket. Lawrence took three wickets during that game, against Sri Lanka in 1988, which England won by seven wickets. He also went on to represent England in one ODI against West Indies in 1991, in which he took four wickets.
Following his diagnosis last year, Lawrence told the BBC: “Every day is a struggle, but we live to fight and enjoy the moments.”
When Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast at Edgbaston last year, Lawrence was at the ground to watch the victory. Following the final, James Bracey climbed up to the box in the Wyatt Stand where Lawrence was watching from, to present him with the trophy in a deeply moving scene. Gloucestershire captain Jack Taylor said at the time: “We're all with him, with what he's been going through. Hopefully that can give him a little bit of happiness today, knowing that the club that he has been a part of his whole life has… That was for him as much as it is for us.”
The cricketing world has rallied to support the former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler, and Russell’s gesture is a deeply personal one. Each high quality print in this special limited edition of just 300 is titled, numbered, and signed by hand by the artist and embossed with the Jack Russell Gallery stamp to stop fraud.
The historic image of Lord’s Cricket Ground measures 19 inches by 13 inches and has an additional two-inch white border. This exclusive print could be yours for a minimum donation of £150 & £15 Postage & Packing fee.
ALL DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO DAVID ‘SYD’ LAWRENCE AND HIS FAMILY.
If you would like a print or just want to donate to this great cause - please contact andy@finderskeepersuk.com.
