06 January 2024 , 14:44
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Peter Andre has paid tribute to his friend Kate Garraway following the death of her husband Derek Draper, after he fought hard with is health battles following contracting Covid-19 in March 2020.
The 49-year-old Australian pop star and West End performer has worked with TV presenter Kate on Good Morning Britain, and said that she had regularly confided in him about how hard things were for Derek, who spent a majority of the past few years in hospital.
Speaking on GBNews today, Peter said: “I know Kate very well. I think what's so sad about this, is that we all feel like we've gone through these past few years with them both. And of course this happened since COVID, and it's been like the real story of COVID. It’s very, very sad. And you know, Kate's just such a beautiful person - that this is heartbreaking. Her tenacity has just inspired us all. She never left his side."
Peter Andre has paid tribute to Kate Garraway after the death of her husbandPeter went on to speak about his friendship with Kate and how she would confide in him during Derek's health battle. Peter said: "We had a lot of chats. Sometimes backstage on This Morning, sometimes on GMB. She would say how difficult things were. But she never ever really showed that to people. She just stayed strong, always smiling. In person she is exactly what she's like as you see her on TV, such a kind nice person.
“Let's not forget the kids either because, of course, they have gone through the process of seeing their dad go through this as well. Now Kate has to be mum as well. So she's a wife, but she's also a mum. And she’s got to try and be strong for them as well. She's just an incredible lady. We send all of our love to Kate and the entire family. Our thoughts are with them all at the moment.”
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Kate Garraway and Derek Draper just months before he contracted Covid-19 (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Derek and Kate at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2005Kate, who had been by Derek's side over Christmas following her husband's heart attack last month, thanked "all of you who have so generously given our family so much support" as she shared the sad news that her husband's almost four-year battle to recover from Covid-19 has come to an end.
She shared a photo of her late husband with her Instagram followers, captioning it with her heartbreaking message: "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.
"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."