Legendary Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler opens up on 'roughest time' of his life and pays tribute to NHS staff who helped save his voice

Tyler was found to have a growth of of keratin on his larynx and was in danger of suffering permanent damage to his vocal chords after he returned to England from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was subsequently treated by the NHS and he heaped praise on the professionals who helped save his voice.

"I have had a very fortunate life but this was the roughest time for me. It was by far the worst," he told Wimbledon Times.

He added: "I cannot be more grateful to how I was treated at St George’s [Hospital in Tooting]. They are wonderful people at looking after patients’ best interests. I am really grateful for their care."

Tyler's career has spanned more than 50 years and is still going in the wake of the struggles with his voice and subsequent treatment. The 78-year-old is back commentating on football after the scare, adding: "Since my treatment, I have done 40 commentaries. It’s a miracle... The loss of my voice and the potential of losing it forever was the worst-case scenario."

Tyler's iconic voice will hopefully continue to be heard over Premier League and Champions League matches by audiences around the world for many more years to come. His famous voice is something he will not be taken for granted, as he added: "Relish your voice: sing, talk, communicate and respect that it’s a part of your body that needs attention."