Kate Garraway has released a heartbreaking statement to fans, following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, last week.
Her Good Morning Britain co-host, Susanna Reid, read the statement out on behalf of Garraway, 56, on this morning's edition of the show (Monday 8 January).
"Hello everyone," the statement began. "Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcy, Billy and all of Derek's family.
"They are an extraordinary comfort and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating."
Gareth Cattermole / Staff//Getty Images
Garraway's message continued: "And that is a wonderful thing about our Good Morning Britain family. All of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected through the challenges of life, but also of the laugh at the fun and joy we share together."
The presenter went on to add she hopes to return to presenting soon: "I am certain that it is the support that you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly four years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those who can't fight for themselves. It will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks, months and years to come.
"I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again. I hope you forgive me taking some time to be at home. Family is so important and I'm grateful we could be with Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share.
"We are taking time to heal ourselves now that Darcy and Billy know their daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle. I shall be thinking of you all until we're reunited. In the meantime, hug your loved ones. All my love, Kate."
The statement comes after Garraway had announced Draper passed away after a years-long battle with Covid-19 complications.
In a lengthy Instagram status, she wrote: “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 when he passed.”
Garraway added: “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.”
Garraway had been married to Draper, a former political advisor and psychotherapist, for 20 years.
The pair had two children together: Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14.
Pool//Getty Images
Draper’s health deteriorated in 2020 after contracting Covid-19. He spent over 214 days in treatment on a ventilator, four months of which he was in an induced coma. The virus tragically caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
Garraway released two documentaries following her husband’s illness, Finding Derek in 2021 and Caring for Derek in 2022. The former won a National Television Award.
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Kimberley Bond is a Features Writer at Cosmopolitan. After gaining her MA in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield in 2016, Kimberley first started her career as a showbiz and culture writer, where she interviewed A-Listers (and Z-Listers) on red carpets, at awards ceremonies and at parties. After the pandemic put a hold on the showbiz circuit, Kimberley turned to features and has written for a number of publications including The Independent, The Telegraph, Evening Standard, Stylist and Glamour amongst countless others. She’s still a complete celebrity gossip hound, and when she’s not scrolling through the sidebar of shame you can find her on X, LinkedIn or in the gym where’s trying and failing to get an arse like JLo.
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