Chris Kamara's son Jack became emotional after the popular TV presenter discussed his health battle during the Great North Run. The 68-year-old was interviewed by BBC One after running alongside his son and broadcast partner Ben Shephard on Sunday.
Health battle and race reaction
The former Sky Sports pundit revealed his speech apraxia diagnosis in 2022, later deciding to step away from his presenting work. The neurological disorder affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate movements needed to speak clearly.
Kamara is an ex-professional footballer whose playing career saw him star for various clubs, but it was through his work on Sky Sports that he became a household name. His presenting jobs included hosting Goals on Sunday alongside Shephard for more than two decades.
After finishing the race, Chris shared his amazement at having got through it. The TV host's reaction brought an emotional response from his son Jack, who was moved to tears, while Shephard championed his friend's effort.
Emotional words from son and friend
"When I got to the line I really couldn't believe it and then my legs couldn't believe it either and then they collapsed below me," Chris Kamara said. "It was so emotional getting around that track. I'm back, I know I'm not really back but I am back yeah."
Responding to Kamara's feat, his son Jack fought back tears as he said: "I'm so proud. He's come a long way. He could barely walk a few years ago so to do that is just unbelievable. I know he says it all the time but it's just crazy."
"You cannot underestimate what an extraordinary challenge Kammy set himself by agreeing to do this," Ben Shephard said. "It was a privilege for me to run alongside one of my best mates."
He continued: "Because every step of the way we had to be careful of Kammy's balance. So it was, the concentration of everybody. But he just didn't stop. He was relentless. And like he said, the emotion crossing the line was off the charts. Running along here, the noise from the crowd was sensational.
"For me it's a privilege to watch you battle but to see how the family have supported Kammy every step of the way and it's not been easy and that was something I will cherish for the rest of my life sharing that with you."
Fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK
Kamara has spoken openly about his journey with speech apraxia and recently gave an update during an appearance on ITV's This Morning last month, which Shephard was hosting alongside Cat Deeley.
He said: "I'm feeling great, my voice has quickened up and I'm so much better. [Shephard] kept onto me, my carer there, he's been amazing. He's been there for me the whole time, he looks after me so much, but having someone behind you keep saying, 'You're still the same person as you were before', is amazing."
The trio were raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, a cause Chris described as "so important". He also called on viewers to get themselves tested, even if they are symptomless.
"Absolutely. Please do it. Even if you've got no symptoms whatsoever, prostate cancer might creep up on you but if you go to a doctor and you'll be fine."
Chris, Ben and Jack are running for Prostate Cancer UK at the AJ Bell Great North Run, raising funds for better treatments and tests for men, and helping to move one step closer to a national screening programme for all men and saving thousands of lives.
