Kate Garraway’s tribute in full as GMB star says family is ‘taking time to heal ourselves’ after Derek Draper’s death
KATE Garraway's tribute to her husband Derek Draper was read on Good Morning Britain this morning by fellow host Susanna Reid.
Derek, 56, who became known as the nation's longest-suffering Covid patient, died last week after a four-year ordeal.
Today Kate revealed she will be "taking time to heal" after losing her husband.
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.
"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.
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"And that is the wonderful thing, isn't it, about our GMB family - that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life.
She added: "Knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we share too.
"I am certain that it is the support you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly 4 years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those that can't fight for themselves.
"And it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come.
"I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on GMB to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again.
"I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. My family is so grateful we could be with our dearest Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share.
"Maybe you too are going through grief yourself, or have done in the past.
"I send love and support to you too.
"We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle.
"I shall be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon.
"In the meantime, hug your loved ones close - all my love, Kate."
Reid was tearful after the message aired just after 6am this morning.
She said: "It's absolutely classic Kate that in a circumstance that is so deeply painful for her and her family, she thinks of absolutely everybody else who might be in the same situation.
"Kate's unwavering devotion to Derek and her determination to help him recover from the devastating consequences of covid has imprinted itself on everyone who knows her and also the whole nation.
"From the royal family to the country's political leaders. From those who work in medicine to those who work in showbiz.
"And to so many of you watching at home."
In March 2020, Derek was rushed to hospital due to a Covid infection, which sparked years of heartbreaking health battles.
After being taken to hospital, Derek spent 214 days on a ventilator, nearly four months in an induced coma and lost eight stone, as well as his ability to speak properly.
After he moved back home in April 2021, Derek required round the clock care and was rushed back to hospital with "life-threatening" sepsis in August the following year.
Following this, Derek was struck down with more ill-health.
In December 2023, Kate was by her husband's side once more after he suffered a huge heart attack.
Sadly, last week, he passed away following his ongoing health battle.
Kate revealed she held her husband's hand as he passed away in a moving Instagram post.
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 and when he passed.
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"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."