It’s been a very public, and very tragic illness battle for Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper, who tonight is opening up again about her loss after years of long Covid.

Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper tragically died in January 5 after a lengthy battle with Covid. He lost his battle with the illness at the age of 56.

Following the heart breaking news, the Good Morning Britain presenter took a break from a number of her presenting jobs.

READ MORE:Kate Garraway says cost of late husband Derek’s care has left her in eye-watering debt

She made her return to GMB in February after more than a month off. Now she is set to appear on ITV documentary Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, where viewers will get to see Derek’s final days with his family.

Derek was a political aide to former Labour Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson. In the late 90s, he worked as the Political Editor of the Modern Review, was briefly a columnist for the Daily Express, and presented on Talk Radio.

Kate Garraway with husband Derek Draper
True story behind Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper’s illness and death
(Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)

In 2009, Derek became the founder and editor of the blog LabourList but stepped down after a scandal over leaded emails. During his career, he was also a published author.

What was Derek Draper’s cause of death?

Derek was rushed to hospital in March 2020 due to a Covid infection, which sparked years of heartbreaking health battles.

He spent four months in an induced coma and lost eight stone and his ability to speak properly. He was later able to go back home but he required round the clock care. He was rushed back to hospital in August 2021. Following this, Derek was struck down with more ill-health.

In December 2023, he suffered a huge heart attack. Sadly, on January 5, 2024, Derek passed away following his ongoing health battle.

In a moving Instagram post Kate wrote: “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.”

ITV Screengrab Derek Draper

When was Derek Draper’s funeral?

Derek’s funeral was on February 2, 2024, which saw his family and friends gather to pay their last respects. Kate was joined by their children for the private service at the Church of St Mary The Virgin in Primrose Hill on February 2.

Former prime minister Tony Blair, under whom Derek worked for New Labour, gave a touching speech during the eulogies.

Among the many recognisable faces in attendance were Kate’s ITV colleagues including Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard.

Also present were TV stars including Piers Morgan, Alex Beresford, Robert Rinder, Fiona Phillips and her husband Martin Frizell, and pop star Myleene Klass.

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