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GMB star shared a ‘magical night’ with her husband as his health battle continues
After more than three years of never-ending agony over her husband Derek Draper’s ongoing health battle, Kate Garraway has been treasuring every moment with him, especially on their recent date nights. However, following a surprise outing to see Elton John, Derek – who was in hospital for more than a year after contracting COVID early in the pandemic – was forced to return to get further medical help.
The couple enjoyed a brief respite when they went to see Elton perform during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. The GMB star and Derek, both 55, were joined by their kids Darcey, 17, and Billy, 13, at the concert at London’s O2 Arena, where the Rocket Man star dedicated his hit Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to them – making them burst into “f loods of joyous tears”. “So this was a moment. Still can’t quite believe we were there at all – even hours before, we feared Derek would be too weak – but he was determined,” Kate shared. “Derek has been back in hospital this week and yes, there’s such a long road ahead, but Elton John and David Furnish, you gave the kids and Derek a moment that we will never forget and lifted their spirits again to feel anything is possible. Thank you for your inspiring music and huge heart.” She went on to thank the carers, the singer’s Rocket Entertainment company, the O2 Arena staff and Addison Lee cabs “who made the impossible possible”. “We are bursting with gratitude,” she added.
Before launching into his song, Elton said, to the crowd’s cheers and applause, “The two people that I am so thrilled that are here, because they have been through hell over the last three years, are Kate Garraway and Derek, and their kids. To say that they’ve been through a lot is an understatement. They’ve been inspiring and they’ve never given up. I want to dedicate this song especially to you guys.”
Kate revealed that Derek had struggled with his health before the gig, the trip to which had to be planned weeks in advance. She even had doubts that he would be able to make it. “Right up to the last minute, I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to get Derek there. It took weeks of planning and just days before, it looked like he would be too sick to attend. Even on the journey there, he seemed so weak,” she said.
But seeing the superstar sing live worked wonders on Derek. “As soon as we got into the stadium and Elton went on stage, he started weeping tears of joy and squeezed my hand so tightly. He refused to wear ear defenders for an hour so he could hear the music,” she recalled. “But then at one point, it all seemed like it might be all
