Heartbroken fans defend sobbing Kate Garraway over Derek Draper admission on ITV1

ITV viewers were quick to praise Kate Garraway for ‘raising awareness’ as she shared her final days with Derek Draper.

The Good Morning Britain presenter gave viewers an insight into her busy life in new documentary Kate Garraway : Derek’s Story and how she cared for her husband before he died earlier this year.

The show also reflected on Derek’s life before the pandemic as well as his relationship with Kate before he was hospitalised.

Derek passed away in January this year after a long battle with Covid since 2020. He suffered severe health complications as a result of contracting a virus.

Derek required round the clock care — From Flicker Productions KATE GARRAWAY : DEREKS STORY Tuesday 26th March 2024, 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Kate and Derek at home during filming in May 2023, Following the sad loss of Derek Draper in January this year, Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, documents the final year of his life. This film follows the two previous award-winning films also made by Flicker Productions: Finding Derek and Caring for Derek. With close access to Derek and his wife, Kate Garraway, the film provides an insight into his personal struggles with illness and highlights the challenges faced by millions of people in the UK living with serious illness and disability and those who care for them. Joining Derek and Kate in May 2023, the film confronts head on the reality of Derek’s struggles and gives an unflinching view of the effect on all those around while also capturing real moments of love and joy as they spend time together as a family. With around five million unpaid carers in England and Wales, the film also highlights the often prohibitive costs as well as practical difficulties, of caring for people within their homes and features contributions from Jake, the care worker who supports Derek’s care, as well as Kathryn Smith, CEO from charity Social Care Institute for Excellence. Derek’s Story also reflects on Derek’s life before Covid, including his high-profile political career, as well his relationship with Kate, their early years together and how Derek’s illness changed the nature of their dynamic while they maintained their close bond. When asked why he wanted to take part in this film, Derek said: “I want to be heard.” (C) Flicker Productions For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
(Image: No credit)

Despite being unsure about whether to release the ITV documentary, Kate and Derek felt it was important to raise awareness.

During an emotional moment, Kate broke down in tears as she opened up on Derek’s “crippling care costs”. She said: “Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV and that’s before you pay for a mortgage, before you pay for any household bills, before you pay for anything for the kids,.

“So we’re at a crunch point. I am in debt and I can’t earn enough money to cover my debt because I’m managing Derek’s care. And I can’t even use the money I do have to support Derek’s recovery because it’s going on the basics all the time.

“Listen, I’m not going to pretend that I’m poorly paid, I have an incredible job that I love which is well paid, but it’s not enough.”

As expected viewers went straight to social media and shared their reaction as they praised Kate for raising awareness.

Kate Garraway has opened up about her struggles — ITV viewers praise Kate for ‘raising awareness’ on Derek Draper documentary
(Image: ITV)

@jwilsonofficial Tweeted: “Everything she’s doing here is highlighting the lack of affordable care available. I think it’s an absolute tribute to Derek Draper who spent his life fighting social injustice. #KateGarraway.”

@Stirling_Annwrote said: “Heartbreaking watching #KateGarraway Derek’s Story. How the hell he didn’t qualify for help is beyond belief. The fact Derek fought for social justice and equality is even more cruel.”

@dadage wrote: “Seeing how the reality of care takes its toll on families is heartbreaking #KateGarraway and seeing how much Derek wanted a fairer world is such a bitter irony. I hope this country can be more caring at all levels for all of us.”

@ClareEGabriel3 commented: “Whatever you think of #KateGarraway Watching what she had to go through looking after Derek is . His care was £4000 a week. Seeing his distress having physical therapy is a hard watch. We need better care for our long term sick.”

While @Claireycluless added: “So many are trolling @kategarraway on the decision to make this documentary but they need to watch it first surely. While dealing with day to day things harder than most people do, but like many others, she’s campaigning for the care system. Watch it first?? #KateGarraway #derek.”

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