Chris Kamara gives an emotional speech after receiving an Honorary Doctorate, and has reacted to it when appearing on ITV’s This Morning.
The 68 year old shedded a tear when talking about his wife and family, as he was awarded Doctor of Health by Bradford University as part of the Summer Graduations 2026.
He also appeared on ITV’s This Morning less than 24 hours later, giving an interview reacting on it, reflecting on his speech apraxia diagnosis in March 2022.
He said: “Well, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, fellow graduates, guests, Lord Left Tenant, Lord Mayor, what an honor. Doctor of Health, what can I say? I’ve never looked healthier. Look at me. I’m a picture of hell.
“Seriously though, I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. In fact, I nearly said it’s unbelievable. But I shouldn’t.
“When I failed my 11 plus exam at St. Pius in Middlesborough when I was 11. Well, it would be then, wouldn’t it? I honestly thought my life as an academic was over. Fast forward 57 years and here I am. Everything comes to he who waits.
“I really can’t thank Bradford University enough for this incredible honor. I spoke to my wife Anne earlier and said you know what happens from now on if we are on any flight to anywhere in the world and the pilot asks is there a doctor on board I will have to put my hand up and say yes what’s the problem.
“Receiving this honor along alongside these outstanding students is something I will cherish for as long as I live. You are all amazing.
“Signing to play for Bradford City Football Club in 1994 changed the course of my life. In the beginning, I was just a player and the then manager Lenny Lawrence, who signed me, elevated my status to player-coach.
“And then I was really lucky when Lenny left the club, the then chairman Geoffrey Richmond gave me the opportunity to be the manager, which was incredible.
“We then somehow managed to get promoted via the playoffs. The final was at Wembley. My memory isn’t great these days, but this is something I will never forget.
“The Bradfordians came out in force. The fans were beyond excited for the club’s first ever visit to Wembley Stadium in its history. A remarkable 30,000 of them turned up and the day was really special. The team produced a performance that was absolutely magnificent. Bradford at last had something to shout about.
“We had a reunion dinner back at the club in March this year. It’s the 30th anniversary.
“That trip down memory lane gave me my opportunity to thank all the players because without that success, my later career in football and even later career in TV would have probably never happened. It was so special to be at the start of the club’s journey at that time. To this day, the fans still talk to me about that final.
“It’s virtually impossible to get awards without the help of family, friends, and in my case, football fans everywhere who have taken me to their hearts.
“And I must applaud the 50 Bradford fans that came together to be the Bantam of the Opera choir. It was such a thrill to play a small part in helping put them together and sing alongside them as well for the Bradford City of Culture year 2025 that spilled over to 2026.
“It was amazing to see them recently on the pit at this year’s FA Cup final singing Abide with me. I must also thank my wife Anne and my two sons, Ben and Jack, who are here today. They are the massive reason I’m up here. I wouldn’t be anything without them.
“My wife is my rock and my two boys, excuse me, are special and have always been there for me. Ben and Jack have given us four grandkids that have literally made mine and and Anne’s life complete.
“Thank you also to Mark Stanford who put me forward for this award. He was impressed with all the charity work I do. And being a patron of a lot of charities, I said to Mark, I am in a privileged position to give back.
“And to be fair, life has given me and my family so much. It’s such a thrill to be able to help so many good causes.
“Anyway, I’ve gone on too long. So again, a big thanks to the Bradford University to coin a phrase this ward award. It really is unbelievable.
“If the fairy godmother had told me how my life was going to pan out, I wouldn’t have believed it for a minute.
“And that’s my message to all these students, not just at this university, but all unis. Have belief. Work as hard as you possibly can. And then you just never know what’s around the corner. Thank you.”
