Last photo of Derek Draper revealed
The emotional last photo of Derek Draper shows him as the dedicated husband he was - by wife Kate Garraway's side.
Derek, who had been "fighting" until the end, sadly passed away today after three long years of health battles.
Who was Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper?
Derek Draper was fighting for life in hospital after suffering a massive heart attack following health complication after contracting Covid.
Kate Garraway's husband was a former political adviser from Chorley, Lancashire, who went on to work in PR.
Family had been 'praying for a miracle'
Good Morning Britain host Kate cancelled all TV and radio work while she kept a 24/7 vigil at his bedside.
The presenter reportedly spent Christmas at hospital with the couple's two children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14.
A source said at the time: "Everyone is praying for a miracle.
“Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
“This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
"Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
Health battles
Since being discharged in 2021 after contracting Covid, Derek has been readmitted to hospital on numerous occasions.
He was diagnosed with "life-threatening" sepsis and a kidney infection, which Kate later described as "dramatic but under control".
Most recently, he was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack on December 11.
Kate Garraway announced the tragic news on Instagram
Kate announced the heartbreaking news in a moving Instagram post today.
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.
"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."
Kate Garraway’s husband dies aged 56 after three-year Covid battle
Kate Garraway's husband has tragically died following a three-year battle with Covid, the presenter announced in a heartbreaking post.
Derek Draper, 56, was recently left fighting for life in hospital after suffering a massive heart attack.
