I know he loves me, but how does he show it?..

How desperate Covid battle changed Garraway's marriage

- MARK JEFFERIES

KATE AND DEREK IN HEARTBREAKING NEW FILM

KATE Garraway has told of her heartache as her marriage to Derek Draper changed dramatically while he battled the effects of Covid for nearly four years before his death.

Derek will be shown in a new ITV documentary, speaking in brief snatches and gazing at his wife adoringly in the months before his death in January.

In the film, TV host Kate discusses the mix of emotions she feels for her husband of 19 years.

She says she has accepted her role as a round-the-clock carer, adding: "But how that translates into the relationship is a work in progress. Sometimes you show love with a big bunch of flowers, sometimes it's bringing a cup of tea at the right moment.

"He can't do any of those things for me, so he's trying to work out how to love me. I know he loves me, but how does he show that?

"And I'm trying to work out if I feel loved by him. I know I am loved, so we have got a whole journey to go on there."

ORGANS

Derek contracted Covid in March 2020. The virus affected most of his organs and he spent 18 months in hospital.

The opening scenes of the film show Derek struggling to write a note to Kate. She says: "The amazing thing is your writing is not as clear, because you haven't got the same dexterity, but it's exactly the same.

"I love it. When I first saw you write your name I burst into tears. I thought 'ah, he's still there.

Derek writes out on an A4 pad before reading aloud: "My name is Derek Draper, I want you to hear my story." He adds poignantly: "Covid changed everything" Later in the programme, Derek is well enough to read some of Kate's birthday cards alongside their son Billy.