Kate Garraway announces husband Derek Draper has died

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway has made the tragic announcement that her husband Derek Draper has died. In a post on Instagram, she said the 56-year-old who had suffered severe health damage due to Covid was surrounded by his family and she was holding his hand as he passed away. In her post she said: “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.” The former political adviser suffered a crippling case of Covid-19 in March 2020 which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.

Following his lengthy battle with covid, Derek suffered a series of health setbacks including inflammation of the brain, kidney failure, and liver and pancreas damage. The news was greeted with horror by other celebrity friends with Carol Vorderman saying: “Oh no Kate. I’m so very very sorry.

Sending you and your beautiful family the deepest condolences .” GMB host Charlotte Hawkins said: “So desperately sorry Kate, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. So much love to you all.” Susanna Reid said: “Our whole hearts are with you all.”

Author Donna Ashworth said: “Oh Kate this knocked the air out of my lungs for a moment. I’m so very very sorry to read it. Sending so much love to you all x”.

Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson said: “Oh Kate….im so so sorry to hear this.

Sending you and your family so much love and thinking of you at this time.

Xxx”