‘Heartbroken’ Kate Garraway will spend Christmas at her gravely-ill husband Derek Draper’s bedside in hospital
KATE Garraway will spend Christmas at the bedside of her gravely ill Covid-hit husband Derek — along with their two children.
TV presenter Kate, 56, Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, will remain in hospital as much as possible with ailing Derek Draper during the festive period.
Derek, 56, is fighting for life following a heart attack — his latest setback since he was hit with the coronavirus in 2020.
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.”
The Sun on Sunday reported last week that Kate has taken indefinite leave of absence from ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio due to Derek’s worsening condition.
He was first admitted to hospital with Covid in March 2020.
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator.
He spent 13 months in hospital — making him Britain’s longest-suffering coronavirus victim.
Former lobbyist Derek has since battled various health problems, with the virus causing him brain inflammation, kidney failure and liver and pancreas damage.
He still has difficulty breathing unaided.
Kate has adapted their North London home for her husband, who spends much of his time on hospital trips and sleeping.
He has been the subject of two acclaimed ITV documentaries fronted by Kate.