Chris Kamara Opens Up About Daily Challenges Stemming from Neurological Disorders
Television presenter and former footballer Chris Kamara has candidly spoken out about the difficult realities he faces every day as a result of his ongoing health conditions. The much-admired 67-year-old, who has graced both sports punditry and primetime entertainment, continues to navigate life with dyspraxia and speech apraxia—two neurological disorders that impact his movement, balance and speech.
Kamara, whose career spanned successful stints both on the pitch and in the commentary box, was diagnosed with speech apraxia in 2022, building upon an existing struggle with dyspraxia. He recently shared that these medical challenges have left him feeling “really weak,” particularly when approaching something as routine as a flight of stairs.
In a recent interview, Kamara explained the daily impact of these conditions on his life. He described how, despite understanding intellectually that he’s not necessarily in immediate danger, his mind warns him of potential falls when navigating stairs. “The brain cells tell you you’re going to fall even though you probably won’t, so you have to hold on to the bannister,” he revealed, alluding to the persistent psychological hurdle he faces.
Travel poses its own set of challenges, particularly when boarding or leaving planes. With characteristic humour, Kamara admitted, “Don’t be in the queue behind me because I’ll be five minutes getting down those plane steps.” Over time, the need to navigate these environments more slowly has become part of his new normal.
Kamara’s health journey has also led him to be more selective in his work commitments. Once a fixture of live events and television, the former ‘Ninja Warrior UK’ and ‘Soccer Saturday’ host has scaled back his engagements to avoid situations that might exacerbate his symptoms. “I still don’t want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me,” he reflected, noting the contrast with his once-eager approach to public appearances.
He has also opened up about the emotional aspect of his diagnosis. Kamara recently shared that he long felt embarrassed by his speech apraxia to the point of keeping it hidden from his family. “I was embarrassed by my apraxia,” he mentioned in a separate interview, regretful that he hadn’t explained his situation to his wife Anne or sons Ben and Jack sooner, even though they had noticed changes.
Addressing others with similar experiences, Kamara sent a message of solidarity and encouragement: “Once I got over it, which I have now, I realise your voice doesn’t define who you are. I’m sorry to anyone who has a speech condition that I felt that way for so long.” This acceptance, according to Kamara, is in part due to work on his mental health and the support of a therapist, who told him that embracing his reality would aid his recovery.
Kamara also commented on the importance of communication and family support. He acknowledged that his reticence to share his challenges earlier meant he missed out on support from loved ones. “They spotted the signs [that I was struggling],” he conceded, “My family would have supported me. Anne and my sons would have helped me.”
Despite these significant obstacles, Kamara maintains a positive outlook and continues to advocate for mental health awareness. He highlights that self-acceptance is a journey, and while he admits to sometimes being his harshest critic, he now feels at peace with both his condition and his speech.
Chris Kamara’s willingness to discuss his health battle publicly not only sheds light on the hidden difficulties faced by those living with neurological disorders but also offers inspiration for others to seek help and embrace support from family and professionals. The legendary broadcaster’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience required in the face of adversity and the strength found through openness and self-acceptance.