IN LOVING MEMORY; A FINAL FAREWELL

Heartbroken Kate Garraway was supported by family, friends and colleagues at the funeral of husband Derek Draper last week

- MITYA UNDERWOOD

Almost four years after Covid first wreaked havoc on the health and life of Derek Draper, husband of Kate Garraway, he was laid to rest in an emotional church ceremony last week. The former political lobbyist, 56, endured an agonising battle with the debilitating and devastating complications of the virus, but sadly passed away on 3 January.

Devoted Kate, also 56, and their children Darcey, 17, and William, 14, remained close by his side until the end, spending Christmas together in hospital after he was readmitted following a heart attack in early December.

A month after Kate announced the death of her “darling husband”, she and their children gathered at the north London church – where Kate and Derek were married in September 2005 – to say their final goodbyes.