Derek Draper Dies After Long Covid Battle
Derek Draper, the former political aide and author, has tragically died at 56. His wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, confirmed the heartbreaking news. Draper had been fighting severe complications from Covid-19 since first catching the virus in March 2020.
Heartbreak After Cardiac Arrest
Garraway revealed on Instagram that Derek passed away following a cardiac arrest in early December. The arrest, combined with lasting damage from Covid, led to fatal complications.
She thanked the medical teams for their tireless care and for giving Derek dignity in his final moments. Kate also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported their family during this painful ordeal.
Covid Battle Captured on TV
- Draper caught Covid in March 2020 and remained in a coma until October that year.
- Though declared Covid-free by June 2020, Derek suffered extensive physical damage.
- He spent over a year in hospital before returning home in April 2021 with ongoing care.
- In July 2022, he was readmitted as his condition worsened, with further hospital stays in December.
The family’s fight was documented in the award-winning ITV film Finding Derek, which won a National Television Award for its raw portrayal of their struggle.
Tributes Pour In From Political Giants
Draper’s illness drew public sympathy from high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and members of the royal family.
Political heavyweights Tony Blair and Gordon Brown also paid tribute, praising Derek as a kind, generous man who helped shape the New Labour movement.
Life and Legacy
- Derek, originally from Chorley, Lancashire, was a lobbyist for nearly a decade before leaving politics amid the “Lobbygate” scandal in 1998.
- He later became a psychotherapist and wrote two books: Blair’s 100 Days and Life Support.
- In 2009, he launched the LabourList website, a go-to news source aligned with the Labour Party.
- He married Kate Garraway in 2005. The couple had two children together.
Kate Garraway has announced she will take an indefinite break from TV to grieve and focus on her family.
Derek Draper’s passing leaves a huge void, both for his loved ones and the many who followed his extraordinary journey through illness and life.