by Kate Garraway has opened up about her husband Derek Draper’s final request several months after the political consultant died.
Derek, the country’s longest-suffering COVID patient, died at the age of 56 in January after a four-year battle.
In a new film titled Kate Garraway: Derek’s storywhich will air on March 26, the Good Morning Britain host will share a personal insight into how she supported Derek during his health battle – something Derek really wanted.
More about Kate Garraway
When asked why he wanted to take part in this film, Kate recalled: “He said, ‘Don’t give up fighting for what you believe in and for the people you love.’ His words and expressions were so limited and there were so many things he wanted to say about the struggles we all had as a family.”
She continued: “So we set out to piece together Derek’s story to highlight how he and our family are just one of the millions who, every day, have to deal with the challenges of severe disability or life-threatening illness.
“And we wanted to celebrate the incredible work of carers, both professionals and those who do it for love.” Kate added that the documentary was “a way to hear Derek’s voice”, however, “finishing without him was so hard”.
Derek was first diagnosed with coronavirus in 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before being discharged. He received around-the-clock care at home from a specialist nurse and his wife.
“I’m delighted that the film is a tribute to Derek and his incredible spirit,” said Kate. “It is also a tribute to all those who fight to make every second of life count, whatever is thrown at them.”
She added: “I remember so vividly that it was Derek who came up with the idea to make this third documentary at all. I wasn’t planning on making another one. He was released from four months in hospital for sepsis.
“We were very positive about her recovery. Derek was determined to keep getting better and better. One day, we were sitting together and I was looking after him. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he asked , ‘Are we making another documentary?’
“I said, ‘Well I hadn’t really planned. Were you thinking you would?’ And he firmly said ‘yes’ I said, ‘Well, if we do, I think we should work on it together and it should be your story, told in your voice’. There were so many things that were he wanted to say about the struggle we all had as a family and he wanted to talk about it.”
ITV star Kate has also produced two documentaries detailing his family’s life as Derek battles the long-term effects of the coronavirus, both of which won National Television Awards in the auteur documentary category.
She has also written two books – The Power of Hope: The Moving Memoir From Kate Garraway on ITV and The Strength of Love: Embracing an Uncertain Future With Resilience And Hope.
A timeline of Derek Draper’s health battle
March 2020: Derek is diagnosed with COVID-19
Kate’s husband was rushed to hospital after contracting COVID-19. He was left seriously ill and would remain in hospital for over a year, battling the complications of the disease.
April 24, 2020: Derek put into a medically induced coma
Derek was placed in a medically induced coma to help his body combat the effects of COVID. He lost eight stone during this time.
July 2020: Derek wakes up from his coma
Kate revealed that he was “at least in a conscious state”. The presenter and her two children were finally able to visit Derek in hospital as the coronavirus restrictions eased.
September 2020: Kate gives an update on Derek’s health
Kate revealed that his first word when he came around was “pain”. After 214 days in hospital, he was able to breathe without a ventilator.
March 23, 2021: Kate releases Taking care of Derek documentary
The ITV program gave an insight into the family’s struggles and how different their lives have been since Derek fell ill.
April 8, 2021: Derek is allowed to move home
Kate began providing 24/7 care for Derek at her family home in London. She reported that his speech was “very slurred” and it was difficult to move around.
April 2022: Derek is reunited with the nurse who cared for him
Kate interviewed her carer, Beth Dixon, on GBM. It was an emotional moment for the whole family.
June 2022: Derek returns to hospital for a short time
A family member said they were worried about Derek’s condition. Kate also stepped down from her GMB presenting duties.
January 2023: Derek returns to the hospital
Kate revealed that Derek fell out of his wheelchair and expressed her concern about long ambulance waiting times.
July 2023: Derek watches Kate receive her MBE
Kate was awarded an MBE for services to journalism. Derek was pictured sitting in a wheelchair as he beamed at her in an emotional photo.
September 2023: Kate shares a heartbreaking update
The IS GBM the host admitted that they didn’t know if Derek would get better.
December 2023: Derek has a heart attack
Kate revealed that Derek had a setback and was readmitted to the hospital. She said it was “heartbreaking” to watch her husband struggle every day.
