Chris Kamara bravely reveals battle with new health condition as worried Soccer Saturday viewers notice slurred speech
SKY SPORTS broadcaster Chris Kamara has bravely revealed he is battling a speech condition after Soccer Saturday viewers raised concerns for his welfare.
The 64-year-old told fans last year he had been diagnosed with a thyroid condition.
And while covering Shrewsbury Town’s League One trip to Rotherham on Saturday afternoon, Sky viewers noticed Kamara was slurring his words.
Several tweeted him, asking “are you OK mate?”.
The much-loved broadcaster and former Leeds, Brentford and Middlesbrough midfielder later revealed he was suffering from a new health condition that impedes his ability to talk.
Kammy took to Twitter after the game, telling fans he was “ok ish” in a brave message.
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He wrote: “Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish.
“Alongside my Thyroid problem I have developed Apraxia of Speech & have been working to get my speech back to normal.
“Some days it can be a little slow and some days it’s normal. Hopefully I can beat this!”
Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.
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Kamara was flooded with words of support from fans and co-workers after revealing his health struggle, with over 112,000 users liking his post in a show of support.
Soccer Saturday colleague Jeff Stelling also replied to Kamara with a heartwarming message.
He wrote: “@chris_kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going!”
Sky presenter Dave Jones also sent his well wishes, hailing Kamara as a “hero” for his ongoing health struggles.
Jones said: “You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love.”