Sports broadcaster and former footballer Chris Kamara has provided a poignant health update, detailing his journey since being diagnosed with speech apraxia in 2022. Speaking at the National Diversity Awards, Kamara expressed profound gratitude for the support that has enabled him to reach the 'other side' of his health struggles.

Speech apraxia is a motor speech disorder affecting the brain's ability to plan and program the intricate muscle movements required for speech. This condition can lead to periods of difficulty speaking or limited speech, a challenge Kamara has openly faced. During his speech on Friday, the 67-year-old shared, "As some of you may know, I've recently had a brain injury. The good thing is I'm through it now, I'm through to the other side. And it is thanks to the kindness of people like you, so thank you all very much indeed."

Kamara's diagnosis came in 2022, following an experience of 'brain fog' during an interview on The One Show the previous year. In response to his diagnosis, he made the decision to step back from his sports presenting roles to prioritize his health. While at the National Diversity Awards, he also touched upon a more serious topic, stating, "Unfortunately, we live in a world where racism and prejudice still exist. Sometimes, it takes real strength just to be yourself. In my world, I believe everyone is equal and the people I know think exactly the same."

This recent update marks significant progress for Kamara, who had previously shared a worrying health update in June, admitting he felt "very weak" due to the motor speech condition, which also impacts balance. He revealed difficulties with tasks such as walking down stairs, a symptom compounded by dyspraxia, which further affects his balance. To combat the effects of his condition, Kamara sought treatment in Mexico in an effort to slow or potentially reverse its progression.

Fortunately, his speech showed improvement, leading to his return to TV commentary for the Premier League Boxing Day games in 2024. However, he remains selective about the roles he undertakes, mindful of his ongoing challenges with balance. "I'm choosey these days," he told the Daily Star. "That's what's happened with the work because even though I've got the acceptance of my condition, I still don't want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me." He humorously added, "Don't be in the queue behind me because I'll be five minutes getting down those plane steps!" The condition has undeniably had a profound impact on his life, as he previously confessed, "In so many ways, the diagnosis has changed my life. I am no longer the person I used to be, so I would be lying if I said it hasn’t changed me. The brain tells me that I am going to fall, and unfortunately I often do."