by Kate Garraway will be supported by her family and friends as they mourn her husband Derek Draper on Friday.
The Good Morning Britain host will no doubt be joined by her colleague Ben Shephard for a personal service.
In January, Derek, a former political consultant, died aged 56 after several years of serious health complications related to the coronavirus. He was seriously ill after a heart attack in early December.
More about Kate Garraway
Although Kate is yet to return to work, the GBM the host thanked the audience for their support following the death of her husband. In a message read by Susanna Reid, Kate said: “Hello everyone. Thank you all so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It means so much to me, Darcey, Billy and all of Derek’s family .
“They are such a comfort, and I am so lucky to be connected to all of you through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so lonely.
“And that’s the great thing, isn’t it, about our Good Morning Britain family – that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through life’s challenges.
“Knowing that we can laugh about the fun and joy we have together too. I’m sure it’s the support you’ve given me and Derek that’s kept us going for almost 4 years, what’s encouraged us to fight on. for each other and for those who cannot fight for themselves, and it will fuel us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come.
“I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again. I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. Dear Derek in his last moments, which cannot be shared.
“Maybe you are going through grief yourself, or have done in the past. I send you love and support too. We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know that their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle.”
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.
She signed the message with: “I will be thinking of you all until we meet again very soon. In the meantime, hugs to your family – all my love, Kate.”
Derek was first diagnosed with coronavirus back in 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before returning home, where he received 201 hours of care from specialist nurses and his wife. The dad-of-two has since been in and out of hospital for various reasons and in December 2023 he was admitted after suffering a cardiac arrest.
