RAISING awareness

CHRIS KAMARA on exploring his apraxia of speech diagnosis for a new documentary

-  NATASHA HOLT

CHRIS KAMARA: LOST FOR WORDS 

NEW TUE OR WED, 9.15 PM, ITV1 FACTUAL

Chris Kamara's energetic presenting st and witty observations have made hir one of our best-loved sports pundits.

Earlier this year, the former professional footballer revealed he had been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a rare neurological condition that causes a person to have difficulty pronouncing sounds and words correctly and consistently.

Wanting to shine the spotlight on the disorder, he has shared his story in a one-off documentary made by his Ninja Warrior UK co-host Ben Shephard's production company.

Here, Chris, 64, tells TV Times about ITVI's Lost for Words...

This is an emotional show for you, Chris. Were you apprehensive about it?

My good friend Ben Shephard approached me about doing the documentary, and I have to admit that if it hadn't been him, I probably wouldn't have done it.

I thought long and hard, but, hopefully, it will help other people with speech problems. If I raise awareness and it helps just one person, I'll be delighted.

When did you become aware of your speech changing?