Inside Kate Garraway’s daughter Darcey’s epic 18th as star says ‘her dad Derek would want the day to be special’
KATE Garraway pulled out all the stops for daughter Darcey’s 18th birthday after admitting her eldest’s late dad “would want the day to be special.”
The Good Morning Britain anchor – who called in sick to the ITV daytime show last week after losing her voice – was in full party organiser mode this weekend.
Kate, 56, enlisted the help of celeb pal Myleene Klass, 45, to organise an unforgettable day for the teen, who initially said she “didn’t want a celebration.”
This was because her milestone 18th fell just two months after the death of her dad and Kate’s spouse, Derek Draper, in January.
Derek died aged 56 in January. He was left fighting for life in hospital after suffering a massive heart attack, yet had endured a long battle with Covid and its after-effects.
He left behind Kate and kids Darcey and Billy, with Darcey helping to carry Derek’s coffin at his funeral in February.
After the tough time for the family, Smooth Radio host Kate was determined to shed some light and hosted a birthday bash complete with banners and tasty grub.
She uploaded a video to Instagram showing sweet treats being delivered, including a huge pink cake, as well as shimmer material and photo murals for the walls.
A long table was also adorned with a white cloth, bunches of flowers and pastel-coloured candles.
An array of pink balloons formed into an arch completed the elegant space.
A later slide showed Kate posing by her eldest, wearing a blue top, as she examined the impressive bake
There were plenty of touching nods to Derek, too, with images of the family printed out and placed around the room.
Kate gushed over her daughter in her caption as she wrote: “So yesterday our little baby Darcey got officially and legally big – 18 !!!
“She had said she didn’t want a celebration as it was too soon after her dad passing, but maybe a small family lunch at home.
“I knew her dad would want the day to be marked and special though so I sent up a bat signal to @myleeneklass who rallied the most amazing gang of #warriorwomen & #warriormen.
“Huge thanks for insane kindness goes to Meg @mysticalfairiesparties (including the most gorgeous brownies ever), scrummy food from @mysupperhero. A cake that took Darceys breath away @tamostreats and the best teen Instagram backdrop ever!!”
She added: “We did it!!! A day to remember surrounded by those you love and who love you. xxx”
Kate’s GMB co-host Susanna Reid was quick to write: “Huge Happy Birthday Darcey – loads of love. What a WONDERFUL celebration – well done @kategarraway & @myleeneklass.”
Previously, Kate had told of Darcey’s heartbreaking last words to her father.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Kate said her daughter showed huge strength in the hours before Derek’s death.
She told the ITV show: “It was a challenge to make sure he knew that he wasn’t letting us down because he couldn’t get through this last one.
“They were so beautiful, the children, about that.”
Kate then said Darcey’s final heart-touching words to her dad before he died were: “Don’t worry about us, don’t worry about mum. We’ll be fine because you live on through us.”
Derek died on January 3 from complications of long Covid.
The Labour Lobbyist-turned-psychologist was one of the UK‘s longest suffering patients of Covid.
After his diagnosis he battled a variety of health problems when the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
Telly fans have since branded her “so strong” as she made her ITV show comeback.