Susanna Reid sends heartbreaking tribute to Kate Garraway as Derek Draper dies
Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid sent a heartbreaking message to Kate Garraway.
It comes after Kate announced her beloved husband Derek Draper died on Friday aged 56. The psychologist and author, who had been suffering from the effects of Covid for four years, was rushed into hospital after a heart attack just before Christmas. Kate shared the tragic news that doctors had been unable to save him and Derek had died at the age of 56.
She said: “I was holding his hand throughout the last long hours when he passed.” Tributes have been flooding in for Kate as her co-star Susanna took to her Instagram to share a heartfelt message. Posting on her Instagram, Susanna shared a black and white photo of Derek and Draper.
Susanna sent a heartfelt message to her friend and co-star Kate (PA)
Kate shared the news Derek had died aged 56 (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Alongside the snap, she wrote: "Our whole hearts are with you all @kategarraway & Derek’s family." Announcing the sad news, Kate shared a photo of Derek before he became ill. She said: “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: “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."
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Susanna also sent a message to Kate on her post, as she told her friend and collegaue: "Our whole hearts are with you all." Kate shared two children with Derek and spent years fighting an incredibly brave and lengthy battle against Covid-19 ever since Derek was first hospitalised with the virus in March 2020.
He fell into a coma at the start of the global pandemic and was put on a ventilator - becoming Britain's longest suffering Covid-19 victim as he spent 13 months in hospital. The dad-of-two then returned home from hospital in April 2021, but still required round-the-clock care and assistance, as he struggled to return to full health following first contracting the viral disease.
In December, Kate pulled out of all her work commitments in order to be Derek's side following the former lobbyist suffering a heart attack. As Derek fought for his life, Kate’s colleagues from GMB and Smooth Radio issued several updates and sent their love to their co-star’s family.
Kate's colleagues including Lorraine Kelly also paid tribute to her husband Derek. She said: "So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love." ITV star Martin Lewis wrote on Twitter: "I'm sad to hear of Derek Draper passing. We had a few dinners out together with Kate and Derek and he was also a great big, warm, fun man. That's how he should be remembered - he would've liked the attention :) Wishing Kate and the family love and ease through the pain. I hope they are left to grieve in peace & privacy, and the end of this tragic chapter lets them move on and recover the joy in their lives."
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins asked for others to send her fellow host Kate "love and prayers". Alongside a photo of Kate and Derek, Charlotte told her Instagram followers: "Such desperately sad news about Derek. It’s been an incredibly tough time for all the family & Kate has been so strong throughout all this – please send her your love & prayers so she knows we’re all here for her."
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