Viewers Emotional As Sky Sports Legend Chris Kamara Opens Up On Speech Condition

Football commentator Chris Kamara has been praised by Good Morning Britain viewers after he gave an 'inspirational' insight into his apraxia speech disorder.

The 64-year-old Soccer Saturday star revealed that the condition, which is caused by an under-active thyroid, impacts how he talks.

Kamara - better known as Kammy - appeared on Good Morning Britain today, where he thanked his fans for reaching out after he announced his diagnosis on Saturday.

Kammy told hosts Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins: "If I explain my apraxia, we take for granted the fact when we think and coming through our speech it's comfortable, it's easy, it's natural.

"My apraxia, because it varies in different people, when it's bad it stops those signals from that brain going to that mouth. It slows it down, at times it slurs the words as well.

"So, people are looking thinking, 'is he all right? Is he drunk? What's the matter with him?'.

"And so, what it is, it's connected to my thyroid - my under-active thyroid problem.

"When I put out the message after Soccer Saturday, I never in a million years expected that response, but everyone has been so brilliant, so kind.

"People have got in touch who I haven't spoken to for 30 or 40 years to wish me well. So can I thank everybody for that."

Kammy now works with a speech therapist but admits he's unsure how long it will take him to recover, but that he's willing to give it his all.

ITV

Following his segment, viewers took to social media to praise Kammy for being so open about his condition.

One person wrote: "Well done @chris_kammy. I'm sure so many people with apraxia feel the raising of awareness will help them. Brilliant broadcaster, such a likeable guy."

Another said: "You are a legend and an inspiration - never stop doing what you do, you bring joy to so many with your happy go lucky nature, keep strong and keep fighting."

While a third person commented: "Felt emotional listening to this man this morning. What a legend - keep fighting mate. A true British star."

Kammy announced his diagnosis at the weekend, after fans expressed concern over his 'slurred' speech while covering the League One match between Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town.

Alamy

Posting on Twitter, he said: "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 and 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!"