KATE Garraway fans have rushed to social media to send their support her husband Derek Draper’s death.
Today the TV presenter, 56, announced that Derek, 56, died holding her hand following a three-year battle with Covid.
Derek contracted coronavirus in 2020 and went on to suffer devastating health problems – and became the UK’s longest suffering patient with the virus.
Kate, who took on the role of his carer after he became ill, shared the devastating news on Instagram.
It is understood he died at a north London hospital on Wednesday.
Shortly after many rushed to social media platform X to share their love and support to Kate and the rest of their family.
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One wrote: “Sending lots of #Lancashire love to @kategarraway & family at this sad time. What a battle you had Derek and how bravely you fought. Rest in peace now. Derek Draper: Kate Garraway says husband has died, aged 56.”
Another said: “Thoughts with Kate Garraway & her family following the death of her husband, Derek. She fought so hard alongside him. Rest in Peace Derek.”
“Just heard that Kate Garraway’s husband has lost his Covid battle. That is SO SO sad. He has fought so hard to be there for his family. My heart goes out to Kate and her children. She has been a tigress, they deserved a happy ending. Only 56, absolutely bloody heartbreaking,” a third said on the social media platform.
A fourth tweeted: “How sad to hear that Derek Draper has died. Such a brave fight. Our thoughts with Kate Garraway and her family at this time.”
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Another said: “Awful to hear of Derek Draper’s death. What a brave fight he and Kate Garraway (and their family and friends) have shown throughout his health battle. RIP.”
“Thinking of Kate Garraway. She could not have tried harder or done more – I admire her so much. I hope she can grieve properly for the last few years now,” a sixth wrote.
Kate wrote on Instagram: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.
“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.
“I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
After Derek contracted Covid he was placed into a coma and spent 13 months in hospital.
He was discharged in 2021, but returned numerous times over the years.
Recently he was left fighting for life in hospital after suffering a heart attack.
Kate and Derek tied the knot in 2005.
They share two children, Darcey, 15, and 11-year-old Billy, who Derek spent quality time with over the festive period.
