KATE Garraway’s husband Derek Draper was struck down by Covid-19 in early 2020.
Ever since then, the author and former psychotherapist has been enduring an on-going health battle.
What is the latest on Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper?
Brave Kate has been keeping the public updated on her husband’s condition ever since he was first diagnosed with Covid.
Derek was left in a critical condition after he caught the virus in early 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital – making him Britain’s longest suffering Coronavirus victim.
He has since been battling a variety of health problems after the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
On December 16, 2023, it was reported that Kate was by Derek’s side as he fights for his life after suffering from a huge heart attack.
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Kate has cancelled all TV and radio work to keep a 24-7 vigil, taking an indefinite leave of absence from presenting.
Following Derek’s health update, a source said: “Everyone is praying for a miracle.
“Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
“It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
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“This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
“Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
Prior to this, in June 2023 Derek watched on as his Good Morning Britain star wife was awarded an MBE.
He attended the ceremony at Windsor Castle on June 28, where Kate was presented the award by Prince William for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
However, just days after Kate received her MBE, she revealed that Derek was rushed to hospital after the happy occasion.
Writing a lengthy statement on Instagram, Garraway revealed how her husband ended up back in hospital – and would have return to the ward again as his “struggle continues”.
Reflecting on her MBE, Kate told fans: “Well what a week, that started with Derek in hospital and ended with Derek in hospital, but with this extraordinary day in the middle.
“I am so incredibly moved and humbled by the whole experience. So many of you have sent so many lovely messages, including the lady who stopped her car a few minutes ago outside our house to say ‘I know what you’re going through, and I know how much that moment meant and I am a nurse.’
“It was so wonderful to see Derek’s determination to be there. So kind of the Prince of Wales, to make it special for him and to recognise the work of Jake our incredible carer, who represents all those who make Derek’s daily life possible.
“And of course my long-suffering mum and dad.
“It was also so humbling to meet all the others, much more deserving than myself, who were there to receive their honours.
“The Prince of Wales managed to make every single one of them feel as special as they are.
“Tomorrow Derek is back in hospital and of course the daily struggles go on – but the fact that he was able to be part of Wednesday is to be treasured and I can’t thank everyone in the NHS and all around him who love him for making it possible.”
The couple’s outing to Windsor Castle came a few weeks after Kate, who shares daughter Darcey and son Billy with Derek, revealed that her husband was able to communicate by whispering.
Kate has documented Derek’s recovery in a number of documentaries.
In them, it emerged that she survives on around four hours of sleep, often getting up every two hours at night to help the carer move Derek.
She washes and changes his bed linen at least seven times a day.
Timeline of Derek Draper’s coronavirus battle
2020
2021
- January 7, 2021: Kate reveals her kids saw sick husband Derek for the first time since March 2020 over Christmas, but lockdown means she’s banned from seeing him again.
- February 11, 2021: Kate returns to GMB and reveals her heartache after being unable to see Derek since Christmas and says there’s “no end in sight”.
- February 26, 2021: Dr Hilary reveals he has been supporting Kate.
- March 20, 2021: Kate said her seriously-ill husband Derek’s brain is “no longer his friend”.
- March 23. 2021: Kate’s Finding Derek documentary airs and reveals the heartbreaking moment her husband woke up from his coma.
- April 8, 2021: Derek set to return home where he will continue to receive round-the-clock care.
- April 9, 2021: Derek is finally back in his family home in North London after over a year in hospital.
- September 9, 2021: Kate was left in tears as she accepted an NTA gong for her documentary about Derek.
- October 9, 2021: Kate claimed Derek is still sleeping 20 hours a day and is unable to communicate as he did before contracting Covid.
- October 21, 2021: Kate revealed Prince Charles is the royal who extended a helping hand amid Derek’s Covid battle during the Prince’s Trust Awards at St James’ Palace in London.
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2022
2023
- June 8, 2023: Kate appears on Loose Women and says Derek can communicate by whispering.
- June 28, 2023: Derek watches on as Kate is awarded her MBE by Prince William.
- July 2, 2023: Kate reveals that Derek ended up in hospital shortly after her MBE ceremony.
- September 11, 2023: Kate reveals heartbreaking reason she kept terrifying hospital dash secret amid Derek’s health battle.
- September 11, 2023: Kate reveals fears for her children amid Derek’s health battle.
- September 14, 2023: Kate fights back tears as she demands a meeting with the Health Secretary and reveals details of Derek’s ‘’new infection’’.
- October 31, 2023: Kate opened up on her spouse being well enough to attend former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson’s wedding.
- November 23, 2023: Kate appears on Loose Women and says Derek is back in hospital.
- November 29, 2023: The presenter gave an interview on her husband’s health saying ‘’his brain is now his worst enemy’’.
- December 16, 2023: Kate cancels all TV and radio work after Derek suffers from a heart attack.
