Friends say Kate Garraway is ‘bearing up’ after husband Derek’s dying
Friends have mentioned heartbroken Kate Garraway is ‘bearing up’ after her husband Derek’s dying on the age of 56 – as ITV instructed the star she might have ‘as a lot time without work as she wants’.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 56, introduced the dying of her husband of 18 years on Instagram this morning and mentioned: ‘Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I used to be so fortunate to have you ever in my life.’
Derek suffered a coronary heart assault earlier than Christmas following a protracted battle with Covid.
The environment at ITV’s daytime studios was mentioned to be ‘gloomy’ this week as Kate’s co-stars discovered of Derek’s dying. It has been reported that Garraway will take a go away of absence from her presenting roles on GMB and Smooth Radio.
A pal of Kate’s instructed the Mail: ‘She is doing okay, she is bearing up and is being sturdy for her youngsters.’
Kate who had two youngsters with Derek, Darcey, 17, and their youngest, Billy, 11, mentioned in her emotional Instagram publish: ‘I’m unhappy to need to inform you all that my darling husband Derek has handed away.
‘Derek was surrounded by his household in his remaining days and I used to be by his aspect holding his hand all through the final lengthy hours and when he handed.
‘I’ve a lot extra to say, and naturally I’ll accomplish that sooner or later, however for now I simply wish to thank all of the medical groups who fought so arduous to save lots of him and to make his remaining moments as snug and dignified as attainable’.
She added: ‘As a few of it’s possible you’ll know he has been critically in poor health following a cardiac arrest in early December which, due to the harm inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to additional problems.
‘Sending a lot love and because of all of you who’ve so generously given our household a lot help. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I used to be so fortunate to have you ever in my life.’
Derek Draper in 2021 along with his spouse Kate and youngsters Darcey and Billy after returning house from hospital, the place he was Britain’s longest struggling Covid affected person. He has died age 56
Kate revealed she was holding her husband’s hand when he died
Derek, 56, who has been plagued with well being woes after contracting Covid in 2020, was mentioned to be in a vital situation (pictured in June with Kate’s dad and mom Gordon and Marilyn after his spouse collected her MBE)
Derek and Kate on their marriage ceremony day in 2005 as they declared their vows
Kate and Derek on the National Television Awards in 2007 – two years after they married
Derek, 56, returned house from hospital after 13 months however he by no means totally recovered (pictured along with his household of their backyard)
Kate Garraway spent Christmas in hospital after Derek was left combating for his life as he suffered a coronary heart assault. She was seen buying in a Christmas hat final week and she or he introduced his dying at the moment
Mr Draper was a former researcher for Blairite Peter Mandelson who grew to become a New Labour spin physician and later retrained as a psychotherapist after a collection of political and lobbying scandals.
Tragically Mr Draper was among the many first within the UK to fall significantly in poor health with Covid-19 and was admitted to an intensive care unit because the nation entered lockdown in March 2020. He was one of many nation’s longest-suffering Covid sufferers after being in hospital however by no means totally recovered after the virus left long-lasting harm to his organs and meant he wanted round the clock care.
Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown led tributes at the moment. Mr Brown tweeted: ‘So unhappy that after such a courageous wrestle Derek Draper has misplaced his life because of Covid. I’ll keep in mind him as good, artistic and multitalented, and our ideas are with Kate, Darcey and Billy. RIP Derek’.
He suffered an enormous coronary heart assault final month and MailOn-line understands he handed away on Wednesday night time in a North London hospital. Kate mentioned that he died surrounded by household and his passing led to a number of buddies and former colleagues breaking down on dwell TV when the unhappy information broke.
Sir Tony Blair mentioned: ‘I’m so unhappy to listen to the information about Derek. My coronary heart goes out to Kate and their youngsters William and Darcey.
‘It is extraordinary and noteworthy that Derek survived so lengthy after the ravages of Covid. And that was in giant measure because of the love Derek had for his household they usually for him. This additionally says one thing very particular about Derek.
‘He was a troublesome generally ruthless political operative, a superb adviser and somebody you at all times wished in your aspect.
‘But beneath that powerful exterior he was a loving, variety, beneficiant and good natured man you wished as a pal.
‘He was an vital a part of the New Labour story, on the centre of issues proper initially. But most vital of all, he was a very good colleague and nice pal. And we’ll miss him deeply.’
Alastair Campbell, a fellow outstanding New Labour determine within the Nineties, described Derek Draper as ‘an enormous character’.
The ex-No 10 director of communications tweeted: ‘Very unhappy to listen to the information about Derek Draper. He was an enormous character, a giver not a taker, and had a lot extra to offer earlier than Covid took its toll.
‘Sad above all for @kategarraway and the youngsters. Their love and help was profound and unshakeable to the top. RIP’.
Kate’s Good Morning Britain and GMTV co-presenter Eamonn Holmes mentioned in a touch upon her Instagram publish: ‘Thinking of you and the youngsters Kate . He was many issues, together with too younger . Sad occasions . With deepest condolences Eamonn.’
Derek had been plagued with well being woes after contracting Covid in 2020 and suffered a cardiac arrest in early December, with Kate spending Christmas at hospital. Ms Garraway and Mr Draper married in 2005 and have two youngsters, Darcey and Billy.
In an interview with The Times in September 2023, Kate shared that she frightened about her youngsters throughout her husband’s well being wrestle.
Looking again on their lives, Kate confessed she just isn’t ‘geared up’ for elevating their teenage youngsters with out her husband.
‘My intuition is at all times preserve the whole lot good, preserve the whole lot good, however he was at all times high quality with stand-up rows,’ she mentioned. ‘He mentioned it was all about boundary-setting, so I at all times felt he was going to be wonderful of their teenagers.
‘So I really feel, like, ‘Derek, of all of the occasions, I’m not geared up for this with out you.’ And it makes me miss the previous Derek a lot.’
In 2022, Kate was pressured to take the powerful resolution to shutter her husband’s agency after it racked up money owed of virtually £200,000 when he was struck down with Covid.
Derek’s as soon as profitable psychotherapy firm, Astra Aspera Ltd, owed £184,000 — together with £125,000 in taxes. A liquidator was appointed to interrupt up the agency’s belongings.
Kate has additionally opened up concerning the monetary burden of paying for Derek’s care, telling The Sun final yr that ‘prices have gone by way of the roof in so some ways’.
She added that their house has wanted to be tailored to swimsuit Derek’s wants, and that her working life has been impacted because of her husband’s sickness.
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown praised his work for New Labour
Kate’s ITV co-stars have been additionally fast to share their condolences and supply sympathy
Lorraine Kelly is amongst those that have despatched messages of help to Kate Garraway after she introduced her husband Derek Draper has died following struggling long-lasting signs from coronavirus.
In the feedback of Garraway’s announcement publish on Instagram, Kelly wrote to her observe ITV presenter: ‘So sorry Kate. You fought so arduous. Just extremely unhappy. Sending you like’.
Radio host Zoe Ball mentioned she was ‘heartbroken’ for Garraway and her youngsters.
She added: ‘So a lot love coming your approach from so many. May Derek’s star at all times shine brightest for you xxxx’
Singer and presenter Peter Andre mentioned he was ‘sorry’ to listen to the information, including: ‘We ship all our love. Thoughts with you all.’
Comedian Alan Carr additionally shared his sympathies with the TV presenter, saying: Oh Kate that is so terrible. Sending you a lot love and the deepest condolences.’
In a press release, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and leisure at ITV, mentioned: ‘Everyone that has labored with Kate at ITV over the previous few years are desperately saddened to listen to this horrible information.
‘Our ideas and heartfelt condolences are with Kate and Derek’s household and we’ll proceed to supply our help in any approach we will at this very troublesome time.’
Sir Elton John has despatched his ‘love and ideas’ to Ms Garraway.
Among the feedback on the publish, Sir Elton wrote: ‘So sorry to listen to of this information, Kate. Love and ideas to you and your loved ones x’
Mr Draper attended the Rocket Man’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road live performance at London’s O2 Arena in April after being invited together with Ms Garraway because the visitors of honour.
Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins have additionally despatched their love, with Ms Reid writing: ‘Our complete hearts are with you all.’
Presenter Ms Hawkins additionally mentioned she was ‘desperately sorry’ to listen to the information.
She added: ‘Kate, it is completely heartbreaking. So a lot like to you all.’
Meanwhile, This Morning host Alison Hammond mentioned the crew of her present have been ‘sending our love’ .
Speaking on air on Friday, Ms Hammond mentioned: ‘We simply wish to say, all of us right here at This Morning, we’re sending our like to you Kate and naturally Darcey and Billy.’
Broadcaster Carol Vorderman posted on X: ‘Kate Garraway has simply introduced that her husband Derek has died and that she was ‘by his aspect holding his hand all through the final lengthy hours.’
‘Sending my ideas & like to Kate and their household.
‘Heartbreaking, after the final years, they’ve misplaced the person they love a lot’.
Derek Draper (circled) is seen standing subsequent to Labour grandees together with Neil Kinnock, John Prescott and Peter Mandelson (proper). The footage was in BBC2’s The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty
Derek Draper was fired after the 1998 lobbying scandal that engulfed New Labour
Derek Draper had two youngsters with Ms Garraway – a son, William, and a daughter, Darcey. The couple are pictured right here with their youngsters and Derek’s mom in 2009
Kate Garraway together with her household after collaborating in I’m a Celebrity in 2019
Derek, 56, was combating for his life since a coronary heart assault in early December
Derek was catastrophically in poor health in hospital after turning into one of many first individuals to catch covid
He returned house to be along with his household however fell significantly in poor health final month and died this week
A outstanding determine in New Labour within the Nineties, Mr Draper labored for Blairite Peter Mandelson and arrange the Progress organisation with Liam Byrne, who went on to turn into an MP.
After he was embroiled within the so-called ‘cash-for-access’ scandal, dubbed ‘lobbygate’, he travelled to the United States, the place he retrained as a psychotherapist.
In 2021, Ms Garraway received a prize on the National Television Awards for the documentary Finding Derek, about her household’s expertise through the pandemic.
It detailed her husband’s remedy and his subsequent return to their household house.
She has additionally written books about her expertise of caring for her husband, together with The Power of Hope and The Strength of Love, the latter of which got here out in September.
In July 2022, Garraway confirmed Mr Draper had been readmitted to hospital and later that month it was reported that his situation had worsened.
His battle with the virus received a lot consideration and help, together with from former prime minister Boris Johnson and the royal household.
Former lobbyist and political adviser Mr Draper was a part of one in every of Britain’s most outstanding media energy {couples} .
The New Labour spin physician reached nice heights of affect within the Nineties however grew to become finest identified for his involvement within the ‘lobbygate’ scandal.
A former researcher for Blairite Peter Mandelson, Mr Draper grew to become a director of lobbying agency GPC Market Access in 1996 and arrange the New Labour organisation Progress with Liam Byrne, who went on to turn into an MP.
It was whereas working at GPC that Mr Draper was caught on tape boasting to an undercover journalist of his authorities connections.
In one of many first sleaze scandals to hit Tony Blair’s fledgling administration, he reportedly claimed: ‘There are 17 individuals who depend on this authorities, and to say I’m intimate with all of them is the understatement of the century.’
Mr Draper insisted he had executed nothing improper within the so-called ‘money for entry’ scandal dubbed ‘lobbygate’ however admitted he did have a ‘massive mouth’.
The incident appeared to spell the top of any greater political ambitions for the famously champagne-swilling New Labour stalwart and he travelled to the United States, the place he educated as a psychotherapist.
A former researcher for Blairite Peter Mandelson, Mr Draper grew to become a director of lobbying agency GPC Market Access in 1996 and arrange the New Labour organisation Progress with Liam Byrne, who went on to turn into an MP. Above: Mr Draper in 1998
Derek Draper in San Francisco the place he arrange house after leaving politics
In 2005, Mr Draper married Kate Garraway, the GMTV co-presenter who’s now a part of the Good Morning Britain crew on ITV and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2019. Above: The couple in 2008
The New Labour spin physician reached nice heights of affect within the Nineties however grew to become finest identified for his involvement within the ‘lobbygate’ scandal
In 2005, Mr Draper married Ms Garraway, the GMTV co-presenter who’s now a part of the Good Morning Britain crew on ITV and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in November 2019.
In 2008 he returned to the Labour highlight as the pinnacle of the web site LabourRecord, a left-wing rival to on-line portals similar to Conservative Home.
He hit the headlines once more in 2009 and stepped down as editor of LabourRecord after e mail correspondence between him and Damian McBride, one in every of Gordon Brown’s key aides, was leaked.
In the emails, Mr McBride proposed a marketing campaign of unfounded private smears towards senior Conservatives on a brand new weblog known as RedRag, an thought praised by Mr Draper as ‘completely, completely good’.
In a resignation assertion launched to the Guardian, Mr Draper acknowledged that his continued presence at LabourRecord – which was initially set as much as talk about critical coverage concepts – was detracting from the web site.
‘I remorse ever receiving the notorious e mail and I remorse my silly, hasty reply. I ought to have mentioned immediately that the concept was improper,’ he mentioned.
‘I do ask individuals to do not forget that its contents have been by no means revealed by me, or anybody else, concerned within the Labour Party and they might by no means have seen the sunshine of day have been it not for somebody hacking into my emails and inserting them into the general public area.
‘Because of that, a foolish thought in the end destined for the trash can grew to become a nationwide scandal.’
Mr Draper was as soon as once more consigned to the Labour wilderness and have become chief govt of a management consultancy, compiling weekly emails summarising the most effective content material for enterprise and HR leaders.
In 2019 he introduced he was resigning his Labour Party membership.
Mr Draper’s medical case attracted a lot media consideration, partly due to his marriage to Ms Garraway, and partly due to the size of his hospital keep.
Some media reported that he had turn into the nation’s longest-suffering affected person after spending 13 months in hospital.
In early July 2022, Ms Garraway disclosed that Derek had been readmitted to hospital and later that month dropped out of presenting Good Morning Britain as his situation worsened.
The following February, the ITV collection Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek aired on ITV, and documented Draper’s arrival house from the hospital whereas additionally following Garraway as she navigated the ‘myriad challenges of the social care system and its complexities’.
Mr Draper was photographed by his spouse’s aspect in June, regardless of being out and in of hospital, when she collected her MBE from the Prince of Wales in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
In December, The Sun reported that Mr Draper had ‘suffered an enormous coronary heart assault’ and mentioned Garraway was holding a 24/7 vigil by his bedside.
