Kammy’s silent agony
CHRIS KAMARA is struggling to hold back the tears as he talks about life since his speech struggles – and most likely you’ll be holding them back by the end too.
A year ago, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called apraxia, that affects his speech and co-ordination.
“I wanted to give up. I felt embarrassed. I felt I couldn’t go on,” he admits, with an honesty and integrity that you respect him all the more for.
He even felt “a fraud” – as frustrations over not being able to give his usual top-notch commentary crept in and he was forced to give up his muchloved pundit job with Sky Sports.
We see Chris reflecting on the emotional and physical challenges that having apraxia has brought.
We journey with him, as he finds a new path to acceptance for a condition that has no known cause, or cure.
There are obvious backstage nerves, as he prepares to go on stage for our very own Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain Awards.
As we glimpse his family life, wife Anne explains: “He is a different person. He just has to get used to the new person that he is.”
There are especially emotional scenes during a meet up with former Sky Sports colleague Jeff Stelling, and when he goes on the pitch at his beloved Middlesbrough FC – to thank them for their steadfast support.
We see him try out different treatments. But what the documentary also brings, is hope – because Chris is now using his profile to raise awareness for apraxia and help other young people – some of whom we meet – get better funding for specialist help and speech therapy.
With a new focus, there’s a glint in Kammy’s eyes and a happier outlook for a muchloved, national treasure.