What did you miss?
Derek Draper shared his love for his “caring” and “fit” wife Kate Garraway in the latest documentary about him.
Good Morning Britain shared intimate moments from their marriage in their latest documentary, Derek’s Story, which aired on ITV1. Her husband, Draper, died of COVID in January 2024, at the age of 56, after four years of illness. He said he wanted the latest documentary to be a legacy that highlights the UK’s flawed social care system, which provides funding only to those with the most extreme needs and lowest financial means.
But the documentary also showed the love between the two and how it developed as she became his caregiver for the last four years of his life.
What, how and why?
Draper recalled meeting Garraway for the first time on a blind date in the bar of Claridge’s hotel in London. When asked when he thought of them when they first met, he said: “He was fit.” And he said he thought she was “caring, lovely” and knew he wanted to marry her.
A speech Draper gave at his wedding to Garraway in 2005 was played as part of the film.
As the pair gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes, he said: “I’ve never felt as alive as I did with Kate’s gifts. It seemed like such a good idea to spend my limited time on this planet with a woman like this, just a few weeks after I met her. And thank God she felt the same way.” .”
He continued: “Thank you for making me the happiest, safest, proudest man in the world.”
In the final scene of the documentary, Draper is asked what has been most important to him in the last three years. [since he fell ill]. He answered simply: “Family.”
Garraway spoke about the debt he took on to finance Draper’s care at his home. He said he was prepared to “take criticism” for criticizing the current social care system, which he said was “designed to save you from falling down when you need it”.
She also talked about how she and Draper struggled to figure out how to show their love for each other after becoming their caregivers. The TV presenter said: “I agreed [my future as a carer]but how this translates into the relationship is a work in progress.
“Sometimes you show your love with a big bunch of flowers, sometimes it’s bringing a cup of tea at the right time, and he can’t do any of that for me. So he’s trying to figure out how to love me – I know he loves me, but how does he show it? And I’m trying to figure out if I feel loved by him.” . I know I’m loved, so we’ve got a whole journey to get there.”
What else happened in Derek’s Story?
Viewers shared their support and praise for Garraway for the making of the documentary.
One Wrote on social media platform aforementioned: “Watching the #KateGarraway documentary with Derek now and I think he’s really brave. It’s very personal to include people in their lives. Thank you to him and his family. It’s also nice to see old footage of #Derek. #Maintenance costs so much even when he goes to work money.” And another shared: “I have tears in my eyes while watching the Kate Garraway and Derek documentary. I also watched the first one. This woman is very strong. I hope people don’t troll her because she doesn’t deserve it. She is a walking saint. Lovely person #KateGarraway”
Other viewers applauded him for highlighting flaws in the social care system.
One he tweeted: “Kate and Derek are so let down by our government. So very sad. And there are thousands like them. #dereksstory #KateGarraway” More commented: “Everything he does here highlights the lack of affordable care. I think this is an absolute tribute to Derek Draper, who spent his life fighting social injustice. #KateGarraway.” And third Wrote: “There are so many people in the same situation who don’t get the right support when it’s needed… Well done to @kategarraway for shining a light on the challenges carers face every day #kategarraway #DerekStory” And another one observed: “The amazing thing about the #KateGarraway story is that it sheds light on something that is often invisible to most of us, the care that goes on behind closed doors. It’s just one story but thousands, if not millions, are struggling to cope.”
But there were also many people who took the opportunity to troll Garraway.
a viewer sent: “Lots of trolls @kategarraway about her decision to make this documentary but they should definitely watch it first. She has a harder time dealing with day to day tasks than most people but like so many others she is campaigning for the care system. Watch first?? #KateGarraway #derek”
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story is available to watch on ITVX.
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