'REST GENTLY AND PEACEFULLY NOW DEREK, MY LOVE'

Heartbroken Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway receives an outpouring of support after her husband Derek Draper dies following a three-year health battle

- RHONA MERCER

Kate Garraway last week made the heartbreaking announcement that her husband Derek Draper had died, almost three years after he was first admitted to hospital with complications from Covid-19.

In a moving statement, the GMB presenter said that Derek, who was 56, had been critically ill since early December, when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Kate, who shares two children with Derek, Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, said, “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.”

She thanked all the medical staff who had fought to save her husband’s life and ended her statement with the words, “Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

Messages of love and best wishes flooded in. Kate’s fellow GMB presenter and close friend Susanna Reid said, “Our whole hearts are with you all.” Lorraine Kelly was also quick to send her condolences, saying, “So sorry, Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love.”

Gabby Logan talked about how “inspirational” Kate’s love and devotion to Derek had been, and BBC Radio 2 Breakfast presenter Zoe Ball said she was “heartbroken for you and your children, Kate”, adding, “May Derek’s star always shine brightest for you.”