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8th January 2024
09:41am GMT
Kate Garraway has expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the public following the death of her husband, Derek Draper.
The former lobbyist and political adviser sadly passed away on January 5th after a long health battle with long-lasting symptoms of Covid-19.
Derek contracted the virus in March 2020, which had further health implications for his organs, and he required daily care.
In a video message to 'Good Morning Britain' viewers this morning, Kate broke her silence publicly for the first time since her husband's passing.
"Hello everyone. Thank you so much for all the wonderful messages that you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy and all of Derek’s family," the presenter shared.
"They are an extraordinary comfort and I’m 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 'Good Morning Britain' 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, knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we share too."
After the father-of-two contracted Covid in 2020, he spent 13 months in hospital before being discharged, with the virus having a permanent impact on his health.
Derek's health battle, the family’s experience throughout the pandemic, his return from the hospital, and subsequent treatment were detailed in the documentary 'Finding Derek'.
In July 2022, he was readmitted to the hospital, where it was reported that his condition had sadly worsened.
Last month, Derek was in the hospital in a “very serious condition” after suffering a heart attack.
"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 and it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come," Kate continued.
"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 for taking some time to be at home."
The GMB presenter shared a moving post on Instagram last week after her husband died, revealing that she was holding his hand 'throughout the last long hours and when he passed'.
Kate's husband, Derek Draper, sadly passed away last week due to complications from COVID.
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) January 8, 2024
Kate has sent this special message to the viewers of Good Morning Britain to express her thanks.
Our thoughts are with Kate and her family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ydc0BxV79D
Before signing off, the media personality took the opportunity to extend her well wishes to anyone in the same boat as her family, before sharing that she and her children will be taking time to 'heal'.
"My family is so grateful that 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 for 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."
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