Brave Kate Garraway smiles with pal as she’s pictured for first time since husband Derek Draper tragically died

Brave Kate Garraway smiles with pal as she's pictured for first time since husband Derek Draper tragically died.

The Good Morning Britain star, 56, managed to smile as she met a friend ahead of Derek's funeral in north London next Friday.

4

4

4

Kate will be surrounded by friends and family during the heartbreaking service which will take place four weeks after the former psychotherapist's death from Covid complications.

Derek died aged just 56, as he battled a devastating heart attack.

Last night a source said: "It's been an incredibly emotional few weeks for the whole family.

"Kate and Derek's two children, Darcey and Billy, have, of course, been hit extremely hard, and Kate has been stoically trying to hold things together for their sake. She has been an absolute rock.

"As anyone who has lost a family member will testify, funeral arrangements are extremely time consuming and painful.

"But the day itself will be a joyous celebration of a wonderful man."

The presenter's husband tragically passed away while holding her hand, after a four-year health struggle brought on by Covid.

Kate had adapted the family's home so it could be more accessible and easier for Derek to get around - spending countless hours by her husband's side supporting him.

But tragically, Derek was taken to hospital at the end of last year when he had a cardiac arrest.

Strong Kate Garraway then made a desperate 12-hour flight to the UK with her husband in a bid to save his life.

Despite her best efforts and support, Kate revealed the heartbreaking news of Derek's death Instagram.

In an emotional statement, she said: "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 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.

"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."

Just days after his death, Kate shared a touching tribute to Derek on GMB.

In the statement, Kate said: "Hello everyone. Thank you all so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me.

"It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy, and all of Derek's family."

And she added: "We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle."

4