Kate Garraway has dedicated her National Television Award (NTA) to her late husband, Derek Draper, while urging for better support for carers across the UK. The “Good Morning Britain” presenter won the award for Best Authored Documentary on Wednesday, 12 September, for her heartfelt programme Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, which documented the final year of Draper’s life before he passed away in January at the age of 56, following a lengthy battle with the after-effects of Covid-19.
During her acceptance speech, Garraway reflected on the emotional journey she and her family have experienced, saying: “It’s so strange to be here – this one’s for you Derek, absolutely.” She brought her two children, Darcey and Billy, on stage as she acknowledged their strength while navigating the first year of “firsts” without their father.
Garraway has now completed a hat-trick in the best-authored documentary category, having previously won NTAs in 2021 and 2022 for her earlier documentaries on Draper’s Covid-19 battle and her struggles with the UK’s care system.
The emotional documentary touched many viewers, as it not only shared Draper’s personal battle but also highlighted the wider challenges carers face. In her speech, Garraway emphasized the importance of a better support system for carers, stating: “We need a system which catches us when we fall, not catches us out… I’m going to keep the fight on for all of you.”
In the winners’ room, Garraway reflected on the public’s response to her documentary, noting that the subject of caregiving resonates with many. “Everybody knows somebody who needs care of one sort or another, and if they don’t now, they will do… so I think hopefully it’s given those people a bit of a voice,” she said.
Garraway praised professional carers for their life-saving work, explaining that they extended Derek’s life “many, many times” and that the extra time they had with him held “such value” for her and their children.
She also highlighted the struggles millions of unpaid carers face, many of whom, she said, are “unsung, wonderful heroes” worried about bills and often unsupported. Garraway expressed hope that the visibility brought by her documentaries might spur politicians to take action. “That would be lovely wouldn’t it? I think there’s probably will on all political sides, but I guess if we all come together and make sure that it’s a priority, that it will happen,” she said.
Reflecting on the bittersweet moment, Garraway shared how proud her husband would have been of the recognition and the impact of raising these important issues. She noted that while it is sad Derek couldn’t be there, she was grateful that their children were by her side as the “Draper gang.
Garraway’s poignant documentary has helped bring much-needed attention to the challenges carers face and has once again earned her praise for her courage and dedication to shining a light on such an important issue.
