Kate Garraway reveals pop superstar’s incredible gesture to husband Derek which left whole family in floods of tears
SIR ELTON JOHN had got in touch when Derek was first sick to try to help.
At the time he, too, had a close friend in intensive care with Covid.
He was very moved when I said that I was playing his music to Derek.
As Derek got stronger and came home, Elton said he would love to have the chance to meet Derek and invited him to one of his concerts.
But every time a date in London was scheduled, Derek had a setback.
Then, in January 2023, we decided as a family to finally make it happen.
But it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.
We needed extra carers and specialist transport.
I worried that once we stepped inside the O2, it would be overwhelming for Derek.
But needless to say, it was beyond wonderful. It was Elton.
And for Derek it was even more profound, connecting him to the moments when he had been coming out of the coma.
People came up to us, saying how good it was to see Derek there. He was visibly moved.
I had told him countless times about the messages from strangers but now he could feel it. He was there, part of it all, immersed in the incredible love and support from the kids, the carers and all the Elton fans.
At the end of the concert, Elton started speaking: “The people that I’m really thrilled are here, because they’ve been through hell . . . are Kate Garraway, Derek Draper and their kids.
“They’ve inspired me, I’m sure they’ve inspired you. I want to dedicate this song to you guys.”
Then the notes of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me started up.
Derek was in tears. The kids were in tears, I was in tears and so were the carers who were with us and the people all around us.