Kate Garraway & two children spent Derek Draper’s last Christmas by his bedside with whole family ‘rallying together’
BRAVE Kate Garraway and her two children spent Derek Draper’s final Christmas by his bedside before his tragic death.
The devoted Good Morning Britain presenter, 56, cancelled all TV and radio work while she supported her husband in hospital.
Kate held Derek’s hand in his final hours before he died aged 56 surrounded by his family.
She had kept a 24/7 vigil at the hospital where he was being treated after suffering a heart attack in December.
This included spending Christmas Day with the former political aide and their two children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14.
At the time, a source said: “It’s been a heartbreaking time for Kate and, of course, poor Derek.
“Sadly, his condition remains much the same.
“The children are aware of the situation and have been by their dad’s bedside as much as possible.
“The whole family is rallying around and trying to stay strong for one another.
“At Christmas time, this is especially devastating.”
Derek was plagued by devastating health problems after contracting the virus at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
He became the nation’s longest suffering Covid patient after spending 13 months in hospital.
The former political adviser was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack on December 11.
Kate, who wed Derek in 2005, has tirelessly juggled caring for him while working her TV and radio jobs, as well as raising their two children.
She also adapted their North London home and fronted two acclaimed ITV documentaries about her husband.
In a moving tribute announcing Derek’s death, Kate said: “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.”