Chris Kamara has described the public reaction to his diagnosis of apraxia speech as “incredible” but said doctors couldn’t tell him if he’d be better in time.
he Sky Sports presenter and former footballer, 64, appeared to slam his words on Football Saturday last weekend, prompting viewers to message him on social media.
He later posted on Twitter that he had developed the speech disorder alongside an existing thyroid problem.
‘I never expected that reaction in a million years, but everyone was so brilliant, so kind’ ❤️
TV legend @chris_kammy recently announced that he is being treated for a speech disorder with apraxia. pic.twitter.com/pCltKsSKvF
– Good morning Great Britain (@GMB) March 25, 2022
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the ex-sportsman welcomed the reaction from friends and family and said he was being treated by a speech therapist to resolve the issue.
Describing the reaction to his post as “incredible,” he added, “Today is a good day so today I think I’m fine. I don’t know how I sound, but I seem fine.”
Kamara said some people asked if he was drunk after his performance last weekend.
He added: “When I broke the news after Football Saturday, I didn’t expect that response in a million years. But everyone was so brilliant. So nice.
“People I haven’t spoken to in 30, 40 years have reached out to wish me well. I can thank everyone for that.”
Thank you everyone for the best wishes 😊 Twitter can be a wonderful platform 🥰 The response to my Apraxia has been overwhelming 👏🏻👏🏽 Unfortunately for you viewers this isn’t the end of me 😂 but “Live TV” may have to take it back at the moment. Thank you 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/6wFwUDMapB
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) March 21, 2022
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Asked about his prognosis by host Ben Shephard, he replied: “That’s typical Ben. Because it’s a neurological problem that we don’t know about. The experts don’t know.
“The brain is such a complex part of us that it’s hard to say if it’s the thyroid that caused it. Does it get better over time?
“I’m now trying to use parts of my brain that allow me to speak fluently, so I’m with a speech therapist, I’m with another therapist trying his best. So it’s really incredible.
“Singing isn’t a problem, you can sing along at a normal tempo to a song all day, but speaking when the apraxia sets in makes it really difficult.
“Like I said, I’m not after sympathy. There are so many people out there worse off than me.
“But I came out and said it now so it’s there and hopefully people will understand if I don’t sound a little like myself.”
Chris Kamara (Steve Paston/PA)
Kamara previously underwent a brain scan to check if he was developing dementia after suffering from what he described as “brain fog”.
He feared the illness could be related to headers during his sporting career.
However, his symptoms were instead explained by an underactive thyroid, for which he is now being treated.
In addition to his career on the field and small screen, Kamara is also a singer who has released two Christmas albums and a charity single.
He also spoke about the news that Ninja Warrior UK are returning to ITV with a new format hosted by himself, Shephard and Rochelle Humes.
For the first time, the show is looking for both a male and female champion.
When asked if he would take on the new course, Kamara said, “I’m an old man now. I have an ironing board in my back, so I can’t even bend over, let alone do the class.
“I would like to do it, as you know.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/chris-kamara-offers-update-on-speech-apraxia-diagnosis-41486213.html Chris Kamara provides an update on diagnosing speech apraxia