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Bristol Post
Entertainment
Kirsty McCormack & Ben Bloch

Chris Kamara reveals he's in therapy for speech disorder in health update

Chris Kamara has said that he is in speech therapy following his Apraxia diagnosis, which affects his speech.

The 64-year-old appeared on Friday's Good Morning Britain to speak to Charlotte Hawkins and Ben Shephard about the upcoming series of Ninja Warriors.

The conversation turned quickly to his health as Charlotte asked how he has been getting on since he was diagnosed with Apraxia. They also discussed how the public support he has received since has helped him.

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Speaking on GMB, Chris Kamara said: "It was incredible, today's a good day, today I think I'm fine, I don't know how I sound but it seems as if I'm okay.

"I'm not really sure about how it comes out because if I explain my Apraxia, it's like we take for granted the fact that when we think and coming through our speech, it's comfortable, it's easy, it's natural.

"My Apraxia when it's bad stops those signals from that brain going to that mouth so it slows it's down. In fact, at times it slurs the words as well. So people are looking and thinking, 'Is he alright? Is he drunk?'

hris Kamara gives health update on GMB as he talks speech disorder diagnosis (ITV)

"So when I put out the message after Soccer Saturday, I never in a million years expected that response," Chris continued. "But everyone has been so brilliant, so kind. People have got in touch who I haven't spoken to for 30 years to wish me well."

Ben then told him: "You sound great this morning mate and you sharing this I know is really important."

"It's difficult, Ben, because it's neurological problem, we don't know, the experts don't know," Chris explained.

"The brain is such a complex part of you that it's hard to say whether it is the thyroid that's brought this on, will it get better in time? I'm trying to use parts of my brain now that allows me to speak fluently. So I'm with a speech therapist and I'm with another therapist who's trying his best, so it's quite incredible really."

Last week, Chris made the decision to speak publicly about his health after Soccer Saturday viewers expressed worry after tuning into the latest edition, The Mirror reports. He was covering the Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon and, following numerous messages of concern, the pundit explained his situation and pledged to "beat" the speech disorder.

"Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish," Kamara tweeted. "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!"

The response was heartwarming, with Sky Sports presenter David Jones saying "You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love". Fellow presenter Kelly Cates said "You’ve got this Kammy," while former Leeds United and Sunderland manager Peter Reid said "Love you top man. You will get there".

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