Chris Kamara shares encouraging update amid health battle as Sky Sports legend declares: 'There is no downside to being me at the moment'
Chris Kamara reveals there is 'no downside to being me' in an encouraging update on his health following recent reports.
Kamara, whose charisma earned him plenty of fans during his 24 years with Sky Sports, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition that affects your ability to speak in 2022.
In recent days, prior to working an event with Burton's Fish 'N' Chips in Camden, London, the popular pundit admitted he has been struggling with his balance.
However, when speaking to Mail Sport in north London, the 67-year-old claimed that 'it may look worse than it actually is', and his speech has vastly improved.
'I'm always surprised at how lovely people are towards me,' Kamara tells Mail Sport. 'It's amazing, absolutely incredible. It makes me feel humble. There is no downside to being me at the moment, everybody is so nice.
'My speech has improved. I'm an open book, when I am asked a question, I answer honestly. It may look worse than it actually is, and my balance may be worse than it's been, but my voice is better.
'There is no thought process going on that is not transferred to the mouth, it's instant now. So, there is improvement, but downsides in other things, the balance, thyroid, I have a bad back, and might need an operation.
'But there is always somebody worse of than you. Don't feel sorry for me, I am still enjoying life.'
The condition forced Kamara to retract from reporting duties with Sky Sports back in 2022, and he found it hard to make appearances in the public eye.
However, in 2024, he made his comeback in broadcasting to provide coverage of Nottingham Forest's win over Tottenham for Amazon Prime.
Six months later, Kamara could be seen in Camden Market engaging with fans as he served biscuits to celebrate National Fish and Chips Day.
This is something that the once Bradford City and Brentford star couldn't fathom doing back in 2022, but now he wants to show that the fun-loving character that took to our screens for decades is still here.
'Two or three years ago, at the height of my condition, I wouldn't have done anything at all – I didn't feel capable of doing anything. My brain was all frazzled, I was feeling sorry for myself.
'That's all gone now. I want to enjoy life and what is remaining of it. Do the things I want, enjoy time with the family, and its great. That attitude has served me well.'
After working on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday for two decades, Kamara came off air in 2022
Not only is Kamara working on campaigns, but the improvement in his condition has led to a role back in television – but a different aspect of it.
'I have been offered a part in a film, a part in a sitcom as well. It's all good,' he continued, while speaking to Mail Sport in a cafe.
'I've done loads of TV stuff, Ted Lasso, tour appearances in Emmerdale. I love it. I'm not the same person now as I was then, but if they invite me, I will do it now.'
When speaking to Kamara, his humility shines through. Many football fans have gone through life with the once footballer on their screens every weekend.
With numerous fans coming up to him to share their memories of the charming Kamara, he finds it hard to believe how well-known he is.
However, meeting one significant person back in 2022 shocked him, in particular.
'I was so honoured when I got my MBE from Prince William when he said "I have grown up with you" you don't think things like that.
'One of the Royal Family, that is the next King in waiting, has grown up watching you. It's humbling.'
While engaging with the general public on Friday, Kamara also served them with the nostalgic 80s favourite snack, Fish 'N' Chips.
'I was out there on the streets, bringing the legendary snack back into the spotlight, and let me tell you, the buzz was electric.
'So many smiling faces, loving the nostalgia and tucking into the tasters, it was the perfect way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Proper magic.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
37 minutes ago
- The Sun
Emma Raducanu sets fans' tongues wagging as she turns up to see Carlos Alcaraz who after makes flattering admission
CARLOS ALCARAZ hailed the support of Emma Raducanu in the Queen's stands as he booked a spot in the final. British No1 Raducanu had tennis fans' tongues wagging as she watched her US Open doubles partner cruise to a straight sets 6-4 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut. 6 Alcaraz was cool as a cucumber throughout and hit an audacious volley to win the first set over the Spanish 37-year-old to set up the final clash with Jiri Lehecka. The 22-year-old has not lost since April 20 in Barcelona and is enjoying the longest winning streak of his career with 17 successive victories. When asked about Raducanu, who he has previously been romantically linked with online, Alcaraz said: 'I saw on social media she came up to watch my match, 'Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. It was great having her in the stands." Further quizzed if he could return the favour by attending some of Raducanu's matches prior to their US Open date, Alcaraz added: "Well, it depends on the schedule, obviously. "I have practices. I have matches. Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if, you know, if everything -- if I'm at the club or I don't have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her. "I'm watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her in real could be fun." Alcaraz is in red hot form with four titles to his name already this year and hunting down a third successive Wimbledon title later this month. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 6 6 First, he will attempt to beat Lehecka to lift his second title in three years at the Queen's Club. Raducanu, meanwhile, will be in Eastbourne action tomorrow as she prepares for Wimbledon. 'She was not OK' - Axed coach claims Emma Raducanu's mental state played major role in his swift exit The 22-year-old lost to Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals at Queen's last week. Having received treatment on court, Raducanu subsequently pulled out of this week's WTA 500 event in Berlin. The former US Open champion is fit again and will take on America's Ann Li at Devonshire Park on Monday. Should Raducanu triumph, she could face two-time former Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in round two.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Former England bowler David ‘Syd' Lawrence dies aged 61 after MND battle
David 'Syd' Lawrence, the pioneering cricketer who became the first British-born Black player to represent England, has died at the age of 61. A formidable bowler, Lawrence took 18 wickets across five Test matches for England between 1988 and 1992. His passing comes almost exactly a year after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The announcement of his diagnosis last year coincided with the death of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who also succumbed to the incurable illness that progressively damages the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family given to the PA news agency said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' As well as his six outings for England – having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, collecting four for 67 – Lawrence bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the county circuit, Lawrence began to establish himself in Tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards among his haul. But Lawrence's career all but ended the following year as he badly fractured his kneecap after falling awkwardly when running into bowl on the final day of a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. His England days were immediately over aged 28 but he made a brief county comeback in 1997, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before hanging up his boots – 16 years after he first played professionally. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After Lawrence detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021 and six months later he became the county's first Black president. The county side posted on X: 'Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. 'Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.' Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire went all the way in the T20 Blast last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence at Edgbaston. Lawrence's family statement added: 'As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. 'Syd's wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.' Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to cricket, while he had been working to raise money and awareness of his condition. He said: 'It is an incredibly proud moment. It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name, but I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.' Lawrence's MND diagnosis hastened his autobiography as he worried he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', written with the help of Dean Wilson, the book was published this month. England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said on the governing body's website: 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.'
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Webb believes recruitment mistakes behind Saints
St Johnstone owner Adam Webb believes the summer planning at McDiarmid Park has been "night and day" in comparison to when he walked in the door 12 months ago, when recruitment mistakes were made. (The Courier), externalJosh Rae, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who has joined Raith Rovers permanently from St Johnstone, has revealed he rejected a move to Atletico Madrid at the age of 13. (The Courier), externalRead Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
