02 February 2024 , 13:26
571
0
Kate Garraway’s daughter Darcey left a heartbreaking note next to some flowers at her dad .
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate, 56, was joined by her 17-year-old daughter Darcey and son Billy, 14, at the Church of St Mary The Virgin in Primrose Hill today as the family laid Derek to rest in the same church he and Kate wed nearly two decades prior. The funeral comes almost one month after the dad-of-two died holding Kate's hand after an agonising four-year battle to recover from Covid-19.
Not only did Darcey into the church, but she also left a handwritten note next to some flowers outside the parish. Heartbreakingly, it read: “I love you with all my heart, Darcey.”
Brave Kate Garraway's life now - 'grief bubble, cash woes and single mum help from Ranvir Singh'
Darcey's note read: “I love you with all my heart, Darcey" (London News Pictures)Kate and her children were supported by her ITV co-stars, with Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard among the mourners at the funeral of former political lobbyist-turned-psychologist Derek. Global superstar Elton John, who became a "huge friend" to Kate and Derek, was also in attendance and Kate also invited members of the press to attend.
Ben Shephard scolds co-star over blunder after Susanna fury over GMB 'errors'
Derek fell seriously ill during the early part of the pandemic in March 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before he was discharged. He died on January 3 aged 56 after suffering long-lasting symptoms from coronavirus.
Kate often provided health updates about her husband on GMB and fronted two documentaries on the channel about how the family’s life changed following his illness. Derek, a prominent figure in New Labour in the 1990 who was also an author, was admitted to hospital in December when he had a heart attack.
Kate announced her husband’s death on Instagram in the new year, with a post saying: “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.”
Kate and Derek share son Billy as well as their daughter Darcey (ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)After Derek's death, Susanna read out a heartbreaking letter, in which Kate thanked people for their messages of support. She said: "I am certain that it is the support that you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly four years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those who can't fight for themselves. It will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks, months and years to come.
"I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again. I hope you forgive me taking some time to be at home. Family is so important and I'm grateful we could be with Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share...
"We are taking time to heal ourselves now that Darcy and Billy know their daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle. I shall be thinking of you all until we're reunited. In the meantime, hug your loved ones. All my love, Kate."