Derek Draper: Tributes pour in as ‘brave’ and ‘strong’ Kate Garraway announces husband’s death
‘GMB’ host has been caring for Draper ever since he contracted Covid in March 2020
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Tributes are pouring in for Derek Draper, the husband of Kate Garraway, who has died, aged 56.
TV presenter Garraway has been caring for the former Labour Party adviser ever since he contracted Covid in the early stages of the pandemic.
In December, Draper suffered a heart attack that left him “fighting for his life” due to “the damage inflicted” by Covid”, which Garraway said caused “further complications”.
Garraway announced her husband’s death on Friday (5 January), writing: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. 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.”
Linda Nolan reacts to ‘devastating’ Derek Draper news
“Absolutely devastating news, my deepest condolences,” Linda Nolan commented on Garraway’s post announcing her husband’s death. “Sending lots of love to you and your wonderful family.”
Ben Shephard writes poignant tribute to Derek Draper as co-star Kate Garraway announces death
On Instagram, Garraway’s Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard posted a picture of Draper kissing Garraway on the cheek.
“On what has been the saddest of days @kategarraway I’ve been reminding myself of the wonderful times and memories we have all shared together,” he wrote.
“This is how I’ll always think of Derek – bringing you so much joy, your smile says it all, the size of which is matched only by his love for you, Darcey and Bill. Sending all our love Kate to you and all the family.” He added: “Also thank you to everyone who has reached out to me, I promise I will pass on your messages, I know they will bring Kate so much comfort as they have for the last few years.”
Kate Thornton comforts Kate Garraway following husband’s death
Presenter Kate Thornton commented on Garraway’s post: “I’m so very sorry. My deepest condolences to you and the children and this saddest of times. May he rest peacefully knowing how loved he was.”
Alison Hammond tells Derek Draper to ‘sleep well'
Alison Hammond shared a piece of fan art dedicated to Draper and Garraway to her Instagram Story, which she captioned: “Sleep well Derek.”
‘RIP Derek’ trends on Twitter/X following death of Derek Draper
“RIP Derek” has continued to trend in the UK into Friday evening, following the death of Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper.
Good Morning Britain weather presenter Laura Tobin commented on Garraway’s post: “Sending all my love to you and your family.”
Coronation Street star and I’m a Celebrity runner-up Andy Whyment wrote to Garraway: “Sorry for your loss Kate sending you all love.”
Derek Draper: Lively, dedicated, and so much more than his trials with long Covid
The abiding image most of the public have of Draper is of someone struggling incredibly hard against his frailty. Below, Sean O’Grady reflects on the man behind Kate Garraway, who had a front-row seat for the New Labour project
Derek Draper: Lively, dedicated, and so much more than his trials with long Covid
The abiding image most of the public have of Draper is of someone struggling incredibly hard against his frailty. Here, Sean O’Grady reflects on the man behind Kate Garraway, who had a front-row seat for the New Labour project
I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Giovanna Fletcher commented: “I’m so sorry to read this, Kate. Sending you, Darcey and Billy so much love.”
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