A heartfelt tribute from Kate Garraway to her late husband Derek Draper brought Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter Susanna Reid close to tears during the morning show. Derek Draper, a former lobbyist and political adviser, passed away on Friday, January 5, after enduring long-lasting complications resulting from a battle with COVID-19.
Draper’s COVID-19 journey began in March 2020 when he fell seriously ill and was placed in a coma, from which he did not awaken until October of the same year. Despite surviving the virus, he suffered severe organ damage and required daily care.
On Monday, January 8, Susanna Reid and co-host Richard Madeley paid tribute to Derek Draper on GMB, urging viewers to join in remembering him, as reported by The Mirror.
At the start of the show, Susanna emotionally shared the heartbreaking news: “Good morning everybody. On Friday, Kate revealed the heartbreaking news that her husband Derek Draper had died due to complications from Covid, four years after becoming ill.”
Richard Madeley added, “In his final moments, Darcy and Billy got to say their goodbyes to their father, and Kate, as always, was by Derek’s side and, as always, was holding his hand. This morning, our thoughts and love go out to all of them.
Susanna also read an email from Kate Garraway addressed to the viewers, expressing her gratitude for the support they’ve received during this challenging time.
Kate’s email read: “Hello everyone, thank you so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcy, Billy, and all of Derek’s family. They are an extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.
Kate continued, “And that is a wonderful thing about our Good Morning Britain family. All of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected through the challenges of life, but also of the laugh at the fun and joy we share.”
Expressing her gratitude, Kate added, “I am certain that it is the support that you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly four years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
Kate mentioned her return to GMB, saying, “It will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks, months, and years to come. I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again. I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. Family is so important, and I’m grateful we could be with Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share …”
She concluded her heartfelt message with, “We are taking time to heal ourselves now that Darcy and Billy know their daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle. I shall be thinking of you all until we’re reunited. In the meantime, hug your loved ones. All my love, Kate.”
During this emotional segment, Susanna Reid was visibly moved by Kate’s words, and both she and Richard Madeley shared their memories of Derek Drap
