The former presenter has reflected on how he first reacted to his diagnosis
Chris Kamara at the National Diversity Awards 2025
Presenting legend Chis Kamara said “I was selfish” as he opened up on a health condition that he initially thought “defined” him. In 2022, Chris was diagnosed with speech apraxia – a type of motor speech disorder that affects the brain’s ability to plan and program the complex muscle movements needed for speech, resulting in limited and difficult abilities to speak.
The former footballer was one of the many famous faces in attendance at the National Diversity Awards 2025. The star-studded ceremony returned to the city on Friday, September 19 and was once again hosted at the Liverpool Angilican Cathedral.
The prestigious black-tie event celebrates the achievements of grassroots communities that tackle issues in today’s society by recognising their dedication and hard work.
This year was no different with charities, role models and community heroes all being honoured. Chris returned to the event for another year, this time with the role of handing out one of the accolades.
Prior to this, the ECHO spoke with the 67-year-old about what it meant for him to be at the event, given his own health condition. The dad-of-two told the ECHO: “This is my second visit to the awards. I look forward to it each time, but I think my invite got lost last year.
“These are great occasions, and it’s so important. The achievements of some people go unnoticed but not tonight. The awards are making sure everyone is on a level platform.
National Diversity Awards at Liverpool Cathedral.(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“I’ll be honest, when I had my speech problems in the beginning, I thought it defined who I was that I couldn’t speak like I used to. Now, once I’ve got over it, I’ve apologised to all the people with speech conditions. I was selfish; I only thought about myself.
“I didn’t think about other people who were going through the same. It was hard for me, speaking was my career, it was my life. But I’ve gotten over it, I’m in a much better place. I was a complete idiot but I put it right.”
The pundit left Sky Sports in 2022 after he was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid in 2021, and then apraxia of speech.
The 67-year-old is renowned for his iconic role on Soccer Saturday and regularly left the show’s anchor, Jeff Stelling, in stitches with hilarious gaffes such as when he missed a red card during Portsmouth vs Blackburn in 2010.
The National Diversity Awards, which has been described by organisers as a “Golden Globe-like”, was hosted by Claire Balding. This was the broadcaster and presenter’s third-year being at the front of it.
She said: “Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital.
“These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised.”
Claire Balding speaks at the National Diversity Awards at Liverpool Cathedral(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Among the finalists were a blind veteran championing accessibility, a young changemaker spotlighting youth violence, a trans activist and a fashion designer innovating with adaptive clothing.
Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies, said: “The unsung heroes help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities.
“The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been.
“We are living in a time when funding and support are limited,” he continues. “This makes community action invaluable as a resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”