Former Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara has opened up about his journey with speech apraxia, revealing he initially kept his condition secret from his family - much to his regret.
The 67-year-old was diagnosed with the speech disorder in March 2022, which led to him stepping back from his beloved role on Soccer Saturday.
Kamara, affectionately known as Kammy to football fans, admitted he concealed his health struggles from those closest to him, including his wife Anne.
Speaking during Mental Health Awareness week, the broadcasting legend told The Mirror: "They spotted the signs (that I was struggling). I should have talked to my wife Anne, for which I have apologised to her.
Former Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara has opened up about his journey with speech apraxia, revealing he initially kept his condition secret from his family - much to his regret
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"I didn't tell my wife what was going on.
"My family would have supported me rather than somebody I didn't know, Anne, and my sons would have helped me in the first place."
The football pundit revealed how his mental health deteriorated when he first noticed problems with his speech.
He feared he might be developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
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Chris Kamara was given an MBE in 2023GETTY"It was a really tough period. I just did not want be a burden to my family but my illness came to fruition just before the Covid lockdown. I had these stupid thoughts," he added.
Kamara described how he initially believed his condition would be temporary.
"I kept thinking, for over 18 months, that it would go away," he added.
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"I just kept thinking one day I’ll wake up and I’ll be back to the person I was.
"But I have accepted the way I speak now. And that’s because of the work on my mental health.
"My therapist told me that the day you accept your condition is the day you will start getting better, and that is what happened. I can be my own worst critic but my speech has improved and I’m fine with how I sound."
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The journey from denial to acceptance marked a significant milestone in Kamara's recovery process.
His openness about seeking therapy highlights the importance of mental health support when facing life-changing health conditions.
In a triumphant return to broadcasting, Kamara made his comeback on Boxing Day for Amazon Prime's coverage of the Premier League.
Chris Kamara is maintaining a positive outlook amid his ongoing apraxia battle
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The experience proved to be a success, with Kamara telling The Express: "If that's my last game as a reporter, what a way to go out."
He recalled his initial reaction to the opportunity with characteristic humour.
"When my wife told me Amazon had been on the phone I said 'I know I am getting under your feet, but I'm not delivering parcels!'" he quipped.
