Kate Garraway 'saved' late husband Derek following 'spectacular breakdown'
Kate Garraway has today shared the sad news of husband Derek Draper's death at the age of 56, following a lengthy battle with Covid.
The broadcaster stuck by her husband's side throughout his serious illness, keeping wellwishers updated throughout their ordeal, all while helping to raise awareness of the challenges faced by carers. Kate held Derek's hand as he passed away, with his final days spent 'surrounded by his family'. Many have been deeply moved by Kate's devotion to Derek, and it isn't the first time she showed herself to be his rock at a time of great need.
Lancashire-born Derek previously credited Good Morning Britain host Kate, 56, with helping him turn his life around following what he described as a 'spectacular breakdown'.
Kate Garraway and husband Derek Draper met on a blind date in 2004A key player in Tony Blair's government, Derek's career took a hit in 1998 when the then-lobbyist was caught telling an undercover reporter he could sell political access for cash. "I'm ashamed of what I did and I have to live with that shame," he told the Scotsman. Sadly, the unfortunate incident did more than just damage his career - it sent Derek into a dark spiral with his secret two-year battle with depression culminating in a mental breakdown.
He continued: "Everyone assumes I got depressed because of the scandal. Actually, I had been depressed for two years, from around 1996. I thought I had a physical virus. I'd always been quite arrogant and cocky, but I think I put all my unhappiness into my obsession with the Labour Party. The really spectacular breakdown came two years into my depression with the lobbying thing. That was the killer."
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Derek was admitted to The Priory and, upon his release, moved to Los Angeles to spend three years retraining as a psychotherapist. It was on his return, in 2004, that GMTV's political correspondent, Gloria De Piero, offered to set him up with her friend and colleague Kate - a date that would change everything.
"I haven't been depressed for years, since just before I met Kate, who has changed me for the better anyway," he continued. "I eventually realised I had been masking the depression for years with overwork, drinking or womanising... the drink, drugs and promiscuity, were all toys and inside, unbeknownst to me, the little child part of me was in the driving seat."
Derek found great joy in fatherhood (Pixel8000)Instead, Derek made their baby daughter Darcey the centre of his world, immersing himself in life as a father and a husband. "I call it the Ministry of Darcey," he told The Evening Standard in 2006. "Everything revolves around her and it's great. In the glory days, when I was in Soho's Groucho Club every night, I wouldn't have been so involved. But a father needs hours, not minutes, with his child."
In a statement released today, Kate shared: "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."
She continued: "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."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch
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