Susanna Reid holds back tears after reading Kate Garraway’s tribute to husband & says children ‘know daddy is at peace’
SUSANNA Reid held back tears as she read Kate Garraway's tribute to Derek on GMB this morning - with the star saying her children "know daddy is at peace".
Derek, 56, who became known as the nation's longest-suffering Covid patient, died last week after a four-year ordeal.
Garraway and the couple's children were by Derek's side during his final hours.
Her email message to viewers was recorded as a taped audio segment by Reid, and aired just after 6am this morning.
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.
"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 absolute 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."
Derek suffered health problems including holes in his heart after contracting the virus at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
The dad was placed in an induced coma after contracting the virus and was given a ventilator.
Derek went on to spend 13 months in hospital.
Read more on The Sun
After being discharged in 2021, Derek ended up back in hospital several times.
More to follow.