Kate Garraway has shared her heartbreaking final moments with husband Derek Draper before he died.
The former political lobbyist, who had been suffering from the effects of Covid for four years, was rushed into hospital after a heart attack just before Christmas. But sadly Kate announced that doctors had been unable to save him and Derek had died at the age of 56.
After spending Christmas at his hospital bedside, Kate took to Instagram to share the tragic news and revealed that Derek passed away “surrounded by his family in his final days”. She said: “I was holding his hand throughout the last long hours when he passed.”
Posting a photo of Derek before he got ill, Kate captioned the post: “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.”
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She continued: “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.”
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate, who shared two children with Derek, spent years fighting an incredibly brave and lengthy battle against Covid-19 ever since Derek was first hospitalised with the virus in March 2020. He fell into a coma at the start of the global pandemic and was put on a ventilator – becoming Britain’s longest suffering Covid-19 victim as he spent 13 months in hospital. The dad-of-two then returned home from hospital in April 2021, but still required round-the-clock care and assistance, as he struggled to return to full health following first contracting the viral disease.
In December, Kate pulled out of all her work commitments in order to be Derek’s side following the former lobbyist suffering a heart attack. As Derek fought for his life, Kate’s colleagues from GMB and Smooth Radio issued several updates and sent their love to their co-star’s family.
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Following Derek’s sad death, This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary appeared solemn before they sent their love and support to ITV colleague Kate and her two children, Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11, as they learned of the sad news.
Alison told viewers: “Now we have some really sad news to bring to you. Derek Draper, the husband of our very own Kate Garraway, has sadly passed away. Kate has just posted a tribute on Instagram. We just want to say all of us at This Morning are sending our love to you Kate and of course Darcey, and Billy.”
Their fellow This Morning star, Lisa Snowdon said: “Kate. Sending you all so much love and strength at this heartbreaking time. So cruel and so sad. RIP Derek.” Lorraine Kelly also sent her love as she wrote: “So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love.” And Kate’s GMB co-host Susanna Reid shared her support as she said: “Our whole hearts are with you all.”
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