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BREAKING NEWS: Kate Garraway’s husband, Derek Draper dies at 56
“He was an important part of the New Labour story, at the centre of things right at the beginning. But most important of all, he was a good colleague and great friend. And we will miss him deeply.”
Derek Draper, a former political adviser and husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has died after several years of serious health complications due to coronavirus.
The 56-year-old was reported as one of the United Kingdom’s longest-suffering COVID patients, spending 13 months in hospital after contracting the virus in March 2020.
According to Sky News, Draper was left with extensive damage to his organs and needed daily care.
Garraway posted a statement on Instagram on Friday morning saying her “darling husband” had died and she had been “by his side holding his hand throughout his last long hours”.
She confirmed that Derek Draper suffered a heart attack in early December, adding that “the damage inflicted by COVID… led to further complications”.
“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,” Garraway said in her Instagram post.
“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.”
Garraway’s Good Morning Britain co-stars and other well-known faces shared their condolences under the Instagram post.
“Our whole hearts are with you all,” Susannah Reid said, while Charlotte Hawkins commented: “So desperately sorry Kate, it’s absolutely heart-breaking. So much love to you all.”
Elton John said, “So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x.”
Presenter and comedian Alan Carr posted, “Oh Kate that’s so awful. Sending you so much love and the deepest condolences.”
Fellow ITV star Lorraine Kelly said, “So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, who Draper worked with in the 1990s, said he was “so sad” to hear about his death.
“It is extraordinary and remarkable that Derek survived so long after the ravages of COVID. And that was in large measure due to the love Derek had for his family and they for him. This also says something very special about Derek.
“He was a tough sometimes ruthless political operative, a brilliant adviser and someone you always wanted on your side.
“But underneath that tough exterior he was a loving, kind, generous and good natured man you wanted as a friend.
“He was an important part of the New Labour story, at the centre of things right at the beginning. But most important of all, he was a good colleague and great friend. And we will miss him deeply.”
