Derek Draper’s heartbreaking last request to children before ilness took over

Derek Draper made a heartbreaking request to his children when he first fell ill with the coronavirus.

The psychologist and author shared children Darcey, 17, and 14-year-old Billy with wife Kate Garraway – who announced the heartbreaking news of his death on January 5. After contracting Covid in 2020, he was placed into a medically-induced coma and was hospitalised for 13 months.

He needed round-the-clock care and assistance after he was released from the hospital. Kate kept fans updated on his difficult journey and recently dropped out of her work commitments to be by his side when he suffered a sudden heart attack in early December.

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate previously opened up about the moment their children spoke to him for the final time before he was in a coma.

Before being hospitalised, Kate came home to find him in a state of agony. He had a headache, and numbness in his right hand and was struggling to breathe. After phoning Good Morning Britain colleague and friend Dr Hilary Jones for advice, terrified Kate called an ambulance and helped Derek down the stairs.

While sitting in the ambulance with an oxygen mask, Derek spoke to his kids for the final time before being rushed to hospital – and he made a heartbreaking request. Despite being in pain, Derek gave a few tear-jerking words to his two beloved children Darcey and Billy.

“You’re the best children anyone could ask for. Look after mum, be good for her,” he told them. When Kate first returned to Good Morning Britain, she discussed the difficult journey and explained how she tried to place all her focus on their incredibly strong children.

“They’ve been absolutely amazing and I’ve felt for the last 10 weeks I’ve had two jobs. Try and do the best for Derek as much as I can, she said. “And I know what Derek would say to me is, ‘Don’t worry about me, look after them, it’s your job’. Whenever I’ve felt like going into the toilet and have a moment I know he’d be saying, ‘What are you doing you’re a mother get out there’.”

Kate announced his death today with a photo of him. She said: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .