‘They are the loveliest family’ say Loose Women panel as they pay tribute to Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper
THE Loose Women panel paid tribute to Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper with a touching segment.
Earlier today Kate, 56, confirmed that Derek, also 56, has passed away after his long battle with Covid since 2020.
Kate has appeared on the ITV show many times and has given updates on how her husband was over the past four years.
Today Kaye Adams, Sue Cleaver, Olivia Attwood and Linda Robson sent their condolences to Kate and her family on the show.
Kaye started by reading out Kate’s Instagram post.
Linda then revealed that she knows the family very well because she’s lived next door to them for many years.
“It is really, really sad, they are the loveliest family,” Linda said.
Sue added: “I think we all got to accompany Kate on this terrible journey on these amazing documentaries she made, the darkest times and she could highlight the roles of carers today.
“My heart is with them.”
Kate and Derek tied the knot in 2005 and share two children Darcey, 15, and 11-year-old Billy.
The former lobbyist contracted Covid in 2020 and became the UK’s longest suffering patient with the virus.
Kate confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
Sharing a picture of Derek to her page, she wrote: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.
“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.
“I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”