Kate Garraway thanks her supporters as she deals with the ‘raw grief’ of husband Derek Draper’s death

Kate Garraway has spoken candidly about the “raw pain of grief” as she thanked the public for their support following the death of husband Derek Draper.

On Friday, January 5, Good morning England Presenter Garraway announced that her husband, a former lobbyist-turned-psychologist, had died at the age of 56.

Garraway, who married Draper in 2005, had been caring for Draper after he suffered from long-standing Covid-19 symptoms. The couple has two children named Darcey and Billy.

In a shared video message GMB Speaking to viewers on Monday, January 8, Garraway, 56, expressed gratitude for the “wonderful messages” from fans at a time when “the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.”

“Hello everyone,” he said. “Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages you’ve sent me. It really means so much to me, Darcey, Billy and Derek’s family.

“These provide extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you through all of these messages at a time when the pure pain of grief can be so isolating.”

Garraway continued: “And isn’t that the great thing about us? Good morning England 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 together at the fun and joys we share.

“I’m sure it was the support you gave me and sent Derek that kept us going through these nearly four difficult years, motivating us to fight for each other and for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Support us to continue this fight in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

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Garraway added that he was “looking forward” to returning to the show “very soon” to “celebrate life in all its wonder and be challenged again”.

“I hope you’ll forgive me for taking some time at home,” he explained. “My family is so grateful that we were able to be with our beloved Derek in his final moments; This is something not everyone can share.

“Perhaps you are suffering yourself or have experienced it in the past. I’m sending you love and support, too. We now take the time to heal ourselves as Darcey and Billy know their father is at peace and free of pain and struggle.

“I will be thinking of you all until we meet again very soon. In the meantime, hug your loved ones tightly. Best regards, Kate.”

Tribute to Draper and support to Garraway were paid by his friend GMB Starring Susanna Reid, Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and musician Sir Elton John.

The presenter described in books and ITV programs the difficulties faced by the family after Draper caught Covid-19 during the early part of the pandemic in March 2020.

He spent 13 months in hospital before being discharged and has been re-hospitalized several times over the last four years.

In Monday’s episode GMBHilary Jones recalled the moment Garraway expressed concerns about Draper’s “breathing” in 2020, saying he “ran out of breath” within eight seconds.

He said: “Most people can hold their breath for a minute, some for much longer than that, and I knew straight away that she needed to be taken to hospital, so I said to Kate, ‘You’ve got to call the ambulance immediately.’ They were both quite stoic. They didn’t panic.”

“They called me and I was so glad they did. ‘But it needs to be evaluated,’ I said. From what I understand, the paramedics were extremely nice. “They got there very quickly, checked his oxygen saturation, which was very low, and there was no doubt that he needed to be hospitalized, which he was, and he was sent to intensive care almost immediately.”

He continued: “At that time, thousands of people were affected, so there was a shortage of ventilators. ITU was extremely busy and from the first day, not only his lungs but also his organ system were quite weakened.

“So it was affecting his nervous system, it was affecting his circulation, it was affecting his pancreas, and frankly the months and years that followed were the result of his body being so damaged by the acute infection.”

reported GMB In December, Draper was said to be in “very serious” condition after suffering a heart attack.

Garraway wins award at 2021 National Television Awards (NTA) for his documentary Finding Derekabout her family’s experience during the pandemic, detailing her husband’s treatment and subsequent return to the family home.

Followed later Looking at DerekA third ITV documentary was planned when Draper returned home, showing “the numerous challenges and complexities of the social care system”.

The study, which highlighted the impact of Covid, also led to Smooth Radio presenter Garraway being made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honors for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

Garraway will take a break from TV and radio presenting for now, but plans to return to work in the future.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.