'It's time to CELEBRATE'

Kate Garraway opens up about grief, the NHS and why you should never give up

- ARIANA LONGSON

On 3 January, almost four years after he first contracted COVID-19, Derek Draper sadly lost his ongoing health battle when he tragically died aged 56, following complications from a heart attack.

Two months on from his funeral, his widow Kate is back at work and trying her best to get on with her life, despite her heartache and financial problems – it’s been reported she’s considered selling their £4 million home in London.

Kate, 56, who remained very open about the struggles she faced throughout her time caring for Derek, has now spoken about her family’s grief, following the release of her latest documentary, Derek’s Story, which was filmed during the last year of her husband’s life.

Staying positive

While there’s no doubt Kate and the two children she shared with Derek, Darcey, 18, and Billy, 14, are going through an awful time, Kate says the public’s support has kept her going. ‘It’s been wonderful and very moving,’ she explained. ‘I think it’s because people are fundamentally very kind, but I also think some of the incredible reaction is because people are seeing the challenges of their lives reflected in our family’s story.’