Latest news with #BurtonsFishNChips
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
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.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I'm really weak' – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role
CHRIS KAMARA admitted 'I'm really weak' after giving a health update while securing a new role. The Sky Sports legend, 67, was forced to step back from broadcasting two years after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS). 1 The condition sees sufferers struggle to speak as the brain is unable to properly control the muscles used to form words. Kamara exclusively told The Sun last month that he had travelled to Mexico for treatment. He also suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his balance and coordination. And now, the fan favourite has managed to land himself a new role. For one day only, Kamara will be serving free chip butties at Camden Market with Burton's Fish 'N' Chips on Friday June 6. The surprise gig was carefully considered before being accepted by Kamara because of his AOS and dyspraxia. And he admits his health battle has left him feeling 'really weak' overall. Kamara told The Star: 'I'm choosy these days. "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. 'So I'm not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. What is apraxia of speech? Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they'd like to say, but having trouble communicating their words. The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people. They explained: "Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at 'automatic' speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke. The condition does not affect a person's understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. The main symptoms are: being able to say a word correctly one minute and then not the next difficulty at the beginning of words greater difficulty with longer words aware of mistakes but unable to correct them speaking slowly being better at 'automatic tasks' such as counting and singing. "Whereas now I'm a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won't work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance. 'So I'm weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn't great. "Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you're going to fall even though you probably won't, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that.' On his dyspraxia, Kamara added: 'Walking is fine but the thing is if I trip I can't put my arms out anymore to stop my fall, so if I was riding a bike, when you stop, the brain won't allow your feet to go down and stop you falling. 'You just fall over the sides, it's crazy, but the brain is so complex, it's amazing. 'I didn't realise the compartments of the brain, where if you talk in an accent. So (for me) I advise speaking in a Scottish accent. "The flow is quicker than my normal speeds, which is crazy, but that's the brain for it.'
