Chris Kamara has been inundated with support following the release of his documentary which shone a light on his battle with a speech disorder. The former footballer, better known as Kammy, first spoke out about his Apraxia diagnosis back in March after fans messaged him to ask if he was okay as he appeared on the weekly show Soccer Saturday.
During his ITV documentary, Lost For Words, which aired on Wednesday night (December 14), Kammy discussed the moment he started getting tweets about his slow and slurred speech, with some suggesting he was 'drunk' while others were concerned for his health.
The former football pundit was then forced to respond in a message on social media before later, appearing on Good Morning Britain, where he was heaped with praise from viewers, following his chat with Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins about the sudden development of Apraxia.
During the programme, viewers saw Kammy heading to work on Ninja Warrior UK alongside Ben, whose production company also produced the documentary. He could be seen at the BBC studios recording voiceover clips for the ITV challenge show but as he recorded his lines, Chris said: "It doesn’t sound like me, it sounds slow.
"I’m embarrassed by it. When I look at people, I think, are they looking at Chris Kamara or are they feeling sorry for Chris Kamara after his recent diagnosis? I just wish I could be able to do it like the old Kammy could."
Earlier this year Kammy left Sky Sports after 24 years and shared how he now only takes part in pre-recorded programmes. During Lost For Words, the 64-year-old was seen reuniting with fellow pundit Jeff Stelling. They enjoyed a catch-up over a pint and a game of darts in the pub, during which Jeff said he felt 'relieved' to discover that his pal didn’t have dementia, as he suspected at one time.
"Your friends, me included, were fearing the worst in a way, because dementia in football is a big hot topic," Jeff said before he agreed that Kammy's final day on Sky Sports was 'tough' and that he 'found it really hard.'
Chris was heard saying: "The last day at Rotherham was the end of me. I can’t do this anymore." Clearly welling up, an emotional Chris turned to Jeff and said: "Don’t make me cry!"
But viewers watching at home were clearly moved and flocked to social media to show Kammy their support. @Sam_avfc93 tweeted: "Chris Kamara must be the most genuine person on this planet. It’s heart breaking to see him sad #lostforwords." @Deew04 said: "Don't know anyone who isn't gutted for Chris Kamara and wish him the best living with this, one of the good guy's & kudos to him for making this, great awareness for others. #LostForWords."
@David_Irons65 commented: "Watching that conversation between Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling brought a tear to my eye. What a cruel condition but keep going Kammy #lostforwords #ChrisKamara." @louise_spearman shared: "I've always thought you were a legend and this #lostforwords has just proved it, you really are one in a million, now I'm #lostforwords."
@UpTheDale2 posted: "What an inspiration @chris_kammy is. Keep going. We’re all with you! #LostForWords." @JillHudson21 added: "My admiration for #ChrisKamara has risen a thousand times more!!! Such a lovely, warm , friendly guy.. Keep going @chris_kammy You’ve got this!! Ps.. You’re no way a fraud, you’re a bloody legend, mate! #LostForWords."
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