Derek Draper, a former political adviser and the cherished spouse of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has succumbed to the effects of prolonged health complications stemming from COVID-19.
At 56 years old, Derek Draper emerged as one of the UK’s most resilient COVID patients, confronting the virus since contracting it in March 2020. His extraordinary battle against the illness led to an astounding 13-month hospital stay.
In a poignant Instagram post, Kate Garraway verified the heartbreaking news of her “beloved husband’s” demise. She expressed that she had been by his side, holding his hand during his final hours.
Credit: Jon Furniss / Getty
“It saddens me to inform you that my beloved husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may be aware, he had been in critical condition since suffering a cardiac arrest in early December. The damage caused by Covid in March 2020 resulted in additional complications,” she conveyed in her message.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his last days, and I remained by his side, holding his hand throughout the final extended hours until he passed. There’s much more to share, and I’ll do so in time. For now, I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated medical teams who tirelessly fought to save him, ensuring his final moments were as comfortable and dignified as possible. Heartfelt thanks to all of you who have generously offered our family tremendous support,” she expressed.
“Rest gently and peacefully now, Derek, my love. I was incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.”
Draper’s struggle against COVID-19 resulted in significant organ damage, requiring ongoing medical care and attention. The experience had a profound impact on both him and his family, taking a heavy toll.
Unfortunately, in the beginning of December, it was reported that Derek experienced a heart attack, compounding the distress in Garraway’s already arduous journey. Colleagues on ITV’s Good Morning Britain expressed their sincere support for her during this trying period.
In 2005, Garraway and Draper exchanged vows, embarking on a journey where they experienced life’s highs and lows while raising two children together. Their enduring love was commemorated in September as they celebrated their 18th anniversary. Kate conveyed deep gratitude in an Instagram post, expressing relief that Derek had survived to witness this significant milestone.
Yet, mere days later, Garraway introduced her book, “The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism,” recounting the upheaval in her life when her cherished husband faced a severe illness. The book stands as a testament to the steadfast love and resilience demonstrated by Kate and Derek throughout their tumultuous journey, offering inspiration to others navigating comparable trials.
