Kate Garraway’s husband dies, aged 56

Derek Draper, a former political adviser and spouse of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has passed away after enduring severe health complications caused by the coronavirus.

At 56, he held the unfortunate distinction of being one of the UK’s longest-suffering COVID patients, spending an extensive 13 months in the hospital since contracting the virus in March 2020.

His organs suffered significant damage, requiring daily care. Garraway announced his passing on Instagram, describing him as her “darling husband” and expressing that she had been with him, holding his hand during his final hours.

In early December, he experienced a heart attack, with Garraway attributing it to the complications stemming from the damage inflicted by COVID.

While acknowledging she has more to share in the future, Garraway expressed gratitude to the medical teams for their dedicated efforts to save him and ensure his final moments were as comfortable and dignified as possible. She thanked those who supported her family and bid farewell to Derek with love.

In a statement issued today, Kate said: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away,” she wrote.

“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.”

She continued: “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.”

Married since 2005, the couple leaves behind two children. Despite the challenges, they celebrated their 18th anniversary in September, a milestone Garraway was thankful Derek lived to witness.