NEWS
After nearly four heartbreaking years for Kate Garraway, her husband Derek Draper has lost his battle with Covid – leading to an outpouring of love from her friends and fans
Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper tragically lost his fight for life last week aged 56, following years of serious health complications caused by Covid-19.
The Good Morning Britain host announced the tragic news on Instagram on Friday, writing to her 1.1million followers, “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.”
She added, “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, Iwas so lucky to have you in my life.”
OUTPOURING OF LOVE
Following the terrible news, friends and fans deluged the popular presenter with an outpouring of love and support. Her GMB co-star Susanna Reid penned, “Our whole hearts are with you all”, and EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa wrote, “So so sorry to hear this, sending so much love to you and your beautiful family. Thinking of you all”. Vanessa Feltz added, “Devastated for you my darling friend. Sending you prayers, love and my deepest condolences. Always here for you”.
Kate, 56, married former lobbyist Derek in 2005, a year after they were introduced by a mutual friend. They went on to welcome two children, Darcey, 17, and 11-year-old Billy.
But their happy family dynamic was rocked in 2020 when Derek was hospitalised shortly after the pandemic began. He was placed into an induced coma and spent more than a year in hospital. After being discharged, Derek was left “trapped in his body” and required round-the-clock care, with Kate revealing in September 2021 that he was sleeping for 20 hours a day. Amid Derek’s health battles, several adjustments were made to their north London home to cater for his ailments, including the addition of a wet room, a lift to help him around and a ramp for his wheelchair.
While there were some ups and downs for Derek in 2023 – such as seemingly unsuccessfu
