Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of former England and Glosterusire fast bowler David “Sid” Lawrence in Bristol.

Lawrence, the first British -born black cricketer, who represented England, revealed the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2024 and died at the age of 61 last month.

Family, friends and former team partners of both Gloster Syire and England along with public members, Gathered to remember him On Friday at St. Mary Radcliffe Church.

An emotional Phil Tuffnell, Lawrence’s friend and former England team partner, said Lawrence “was someone you wanted on your behalf”.

,[He was a] The character of a big life and when he came in, filled the room. We had some great laughter on the way, “he said.

“He had this very deep voice. He would always call everyone Namaste. It is sad that he had to go.”

Lawrence’s son, Buster described his father as “a loving man”, which had “very much love to give so much love”.

“For me, for all appreciation – it’s not that they do not mean anything to me – but he was my father and was the first and foremost,” he said.

“He did such a good job as a father that if you all took away, he would still be the best father for me and the best friend.”

He said that his father would do anything for the people he had cared for.

Reved Ruart Martin led the funeral, including the famous ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’.

A ecstasy was read by George Orchard, followed by a family tribute to Shuna Mighty and Bee Powell, Alice Lawrence and Buster – Lawrence’s son.

Bristol Rege Windarsh Choir, who performed outside the church before the service started, also sang during the service.

Mark Elni, the head coach of the current Glosterushair and former team partner Mark Eleni, later said: “The service was amazing.

,[I’m] In fact, he is proud to know and therefore happiness that he has touched so many lives. ,

After the funeral, one was awakened at the county ground in Northern Bristol.

Lawrence, known as “SID”, was given an MBE in honor of King’s birthday before dying for outstanding services for cricket.

He played five Test matches for England and took 625 wickets in 280 matches during a 16 -year career at Gloster Serire, where he grew up.

After retirement, he became the owner and amateur bodybuilder of a nightclub before being nominated as the chairman of the club of Gloustershire in 2022, a role he remained until his death.

Former cricketer Andy Brasington said he was with Lawrence, who was a friend for more than 44 years just an hour before his death.

Speaking outside the church, Mr. Brasington said that he has “lost a best friend”.

“It was a difficult situation for all of us, and it was time for Sid to leave. But okay he was positive until the end he was positive.”

Additional reporting by Ali Dordon, Ed Hadwin and James Diamond.