Chris Kamara's son Jack broke down in tears after completing the Great North Run with his father, with Ben Shephard offering support. The 68-year-old, who revealed a speech apraxia diagnosis in 2022, finished the 13.1-mile race in the north east on Sunday alongside his son and ITV presenter Shephard.
Emotional finish for Kamara and family
Kamara stepped away from presenting duties after his diagnosis but has returned to screens in recent times, helping to raise awareness of the condition. The neurological disorder affects the brain's ability to plan and coordinate movements needed to speak clearly.
Speaking before the race, Kamara said he had only really started to learn to run again in the last few weeks, making his achievement even more remarkable. After crossing the line, the moment proved emotional for the Sky Sports legend and his family.
"I'm back" - Kamara's post-race reflection
"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," 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."
His son Jack fought back tears as he praised his dad's efforts, with Shephard at his side. "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," Jack said.
Shephard praises Kamara's relentless effort
"You cannot underestimate what an extraordinary challenge Kammy set himself by agreeing to do this," Shephard said. "It was a privilege for me to run alongside one of my best mates."
He added: "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."
Shephard continued: "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."
Long friendship and health update
Kamara and Shephard presented Goals on Sunday together on Sky for years and have remained close friends. Kamara recently gave a health update to Shephard and Cat Deeley on ITV's This Morning.
"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," he said.
The trio were raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
