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    Bruce Willis health update: How is the actor doing?

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    BRUCE Willis is regarded as one of the most iconic actors of all time.The movie star announced his retirement from acting following a devastating dementia diagnosis.Bruce Willis is seen here in 2024 with his ex-wife Demi Moore.Credit: InstagramHow is Bruce Willis doing?On March 19, 2024, Bruce Willis appeared in a sweet picture with his ex-wife Demi Moore, celebrating his 69th birthday.Fans have been keen to know how the actor is doing, as he battles dementia.In the pic, the Die Hard star was sitting in his living room in a plush grey recliner as his ex-wife sat on the arm of the chair. Bruce had his arm wrapped around Demi and his hand was firmly gripping her upper arm as they stared intently at each other. READ MORE ON BRUCE WILLISIn return, she put her hand over his and grabbed his arm with her other hand.The actress captioned the post: “Happy birthday, BW! We love you and are so grateful for you,” with a white heart emoji. She also included a photo of Bruce with his grandchild and a throwback photo of him with his daughters. The last update fans got about the Hollywood star was from his wife, Emma Heming in September 2023.Most read in CelebrityAppearing on The Today Show she talked about her husband’s condition and how he was doing.Emma said: “What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family.Bruce Willis speaks for first time in new video 1 month after his dementia diagnosis at 68th birthday party with family”And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.”She added that it’s “hard to know” if he knows what’s going on.Meanwhile, Demi also shared a video of him celebrating his 68th birthday in 2023.The clip showed his family blowing out the candles of his birthday cake.Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.The Willis familyThe actor seemed in good spirits, and spoke on camera for the first time since his diagnosis, joining in as they sang happy birthday to him.What illness does Bruce Willis have?In 2022, Bruce retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.Aphasia is the inability to comprehend or formulate language due to damage to areas of the brain.In February 2023, it was announced that Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.The statement read: “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.”Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).”Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the most common form of dementia in people under 60 and symptoms include personality changes, obsessive behavioru, and speaking difficulties.What are the main symptoms of dementia?Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause. But common signs and symptoms include:

    memory loss.
    difficulty concentrating.
    finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping.
    struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word.
    being confused about time and place.
    mood changes

    Source: NHS

    Is Bruce Willis married and does he have any children?Bruce has been married to wife Emma Heming since 2009.He was famously married to actress Demi Moore from 1987 to 2000.Bruce has five children, two from his marriage to Emma and three with Demi.His three children with his first wife, named Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, have all gone on to have careers in acting, much like their parents.His two children with Emma are Mabel, born in 2012, and Evelyn, born in 2014.Meanwhile in March 2024, his daughter Tallulah revealed she had been diagnosed with autism.READ MORE SUN STORIESAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a range of similar conditions, including Asperger Syndrome, that affect a person’s social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.People on the autism spectrum may, for example, be under or over-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. More

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      Why is Michael J Fox in a wheelchair?

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      MICHAEL J Fox shot to fame as an 80s teen heartthrob thanks to his role in the famous film Back to the Future.Since then the star has shared aspects of his life with fans and followers, including the reason as to why he uses a wheelchair.
      Michael J Fox pictured attending the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival HallCredit: Getty
      Why is Michael J Fox in a wheelchair?
      Michael J Fox, born June 9, 1961, is a Canadian and American activist and retired actor.
      Michael was just 29 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s – an incurable condition, in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
      What is Parkinson’s disease?What is Parkinson’s disease?
      Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.
      What are the symptoms?
      The NHS states that there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.
      Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.
      Lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.
      How many people are affected?
      Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson’s UK.

      Since his diagnosis, the actor has been praised for his tireless work fundraising in a bid to find a cure for Parkinson’s and founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation to aid research efforts.
      You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s.Michael J Fox
      In 2023, the star told of how his team are devising new ways to detect and treat Parkinson’s.
      Read More on Michael J Fox
      He explained: ”The idea of a biomarker… a way to identify the disease before the disease is present.
      “By the time I was diagnosed, I had a little twitch in my pinky but…with this, we can identify the disease really early and help progression and essentially cure ahead of the game.”
      Opening up on the disease once more during an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings, he said: “I had a spinal surgery. I had a tumour on my spine. And it was benign, but it messed up my walking. And then, started to break stuff.
      “Broke this arm, and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow. I broke my face. I broke my hand. Which is a big killer with Parkinson’s.
      Most read in Showbiz
      “It’s falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia. All these subtle ways that get you.”
      The star added: “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s. So I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it. I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not going to be 80.”
      Following his diagnosis, Michael now uses a wheelchair and has previously said he finds it ”frustrating and isolating”.
      In February 2024, the actor bravely stood from his wheelchair and received rapturous applause as he gave a moving speech about the power of cinema at the Baftas.
      Speaking on stage, he said: “Five films are nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common — they’re the best at what we do.
      “There’s a reason why they say movies are magic — because movies can change your day.
      “They can change your outlook and sometimes can change your life.”
      What movies has Michael J Fox appeared in?
      Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael continued to act in such roles as The American President and the Tim Burton classic Mars Attacks! as well as starring in the TV sitcom Spin City. 
      He then moved on to voice roles, playing Stuart Little in the hit franchise and the lead in the animation A.R.C.H.I.E.
      The actor then fronted his own show in 2013, The Michael J. Fox Show, and guest-starred in many TV shows including The Good Wife.
      In 2023, an Apple TV+ documentary was released that explored his career and life with Parkinson’s disease called Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.
      Michael is also known for his role in Back To The Future – where he played Marty McFly.
      The adventures saw Marty travelling through time in Doc’s time machine, visiting 1955 to undo a major mistake that stopped his parents falling in love – threatening his very existence.
      Back To The Future first appeared on the big screen in 1985 before returning for two sequels in 1989 and 1990.
      Who is Michael J Fox’s wife Tracy Pollan?
      Michael J Fox has been married to fellow actress Tracy Pollan, who he met on the set of Family Ties, since 1988.
      Tracy is best known for her role as Ellen Reed on the NBC sitcom Family Ties from 1985 to 1987. 
      Do they have any children?
      The couple share four children together – Sam Michael, Aquinnah Kathleen, Esmé Annabelle, and Schuyler Frances.
      On May 30, 1989, the couple became parents for the first time with the birth of their son Sam.
      Their twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances, were born on February 15, 1995.
      Meanwhile, the pair’s youngest child Esmé Annabelle was born on November 3, 2001.
      In 2022, the star was spotted alongside his wife Tracy and their children as he attended the 13th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
      He was all smiles as he posed for pictures with his wife Tracy, who wowed in black glitzy ball gown.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      What is Michael J Fox’s net worth?
      According to wealth website Celebrity Net Worth, the Back to the Future actor has an estimated net worth of $65 million (around £51 million).
      The star is believed to have amassed such a fortune thanks to his success on screen. More

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      My radio star dad died of a ‘broken heart’ after being dumped by BBC just like Steve Wright – he worked there 47 years

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      THE daughter of a BBC DJ who passed away weeks after being sacked has spoken out in the wake of Steve Wright’s death and said the corporation has failed to learn any lessons.Richard Cartridge, 72, worked at the Beeb for 47 years and was best known for his BBC Radio Solent show but died in 2020.
      Richard Cartridge’s daughter Lucy says the BBC have failed to learn any lessonsCredit: Supplied
      She claims her dad died of a broken heart after the BBC sacked himCredit: Supplied
      Her comments follow the death of Radio 2 legend Steve Wright – who pals say also died of a broken heartCredit: Alamy
      Following the death of Radio 2 legend Steve Wright – who pals say died of a broken heart – Richard’s daughter accused the BBC of “atrocious behaviour”.
      Lucy Cartridge, from Southampton, told The Sun: “My dad died of a broken heart after the BBC got rid of him.
      “They literally said to my dad: ‘you have to say that you’re retiring otherwise we are going to do it for you and you’re not going to get a goodbye show’.
      “50 bloody years, it is just outrageous.
      Read more Showbiz News
      “They wanted me to keep quiet, they didn’t want me to say anything and fed me a load of bull.”
      “Hilarious” and “always laughing” Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016.
      But his family claim he was treated as a “weak old man” following his diagnosis and his pay was cut by £20 a week.
      Soon after, a request to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic due to his disability was also refused.
      Most read in Showbiz
      Lucy, 34, explained: “Every other presenter was doing their show from home.
      “They refused to let my father do his at home so that, in the words of the line manager, they could ‘keep an eye on him’.
      “They shoved him on Sunday afternoons, they put Steve Wright on Sunday afternoons. It is god’s waiting room.
      This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary pays heartfelt tribute to friend Steve Wright live on air as he’s joined by radio legends
      “It’s where they’re put before they’re pushed. He was so upset and heartbroken.
      “It was just atrocious. They made him resign. He got sacked. Six weeks later he was dead.”
      Pals of Radio legend Steve Wright – found dead at his London falt on Monday – claim he also “died of a broken heart” after being dumped by the BBC.
      They said the 69-year-old never got over being axed from his Radio 2 afternoon show after 24 years.
      His death is not being treated as suspicious.
      Shockingly, Lucy claims “none” of the BBC bosses reached out to Richard after he was hospitalised or the family after he died.
      “No flowers were sent. We didn’t even get a card. They couldn’t care less. No one spoke up when they pushed him out,” she added.
      Lucy claims she emailed BBC Director General Tim Davie who “didn’t even bother” to send his condolences.
      The BBC told The Sun Mr Davie did actually reply to Lucy “immediately” and “assured her complaint would be dealt with” before an HR rep reached out.
      Asked what she would say to Mr Davie if she met with him today, Lucy said: “I hope to god you never have to go through what we had to.
      I blame the BBC in the way they dealt with his departure.Lucy Cartridge
      “Protocol needs to change, things need to be dealt with in a kinder way.”
      Reflecting on the ordeal, Lucy said: “I blame the BBC in the way they dealt with his departure. It could have been dealt with a lot kinder.
      “There is disability and age discrimination at play here. Parkinson’s disease doesn’t kill you like that.
      “You certainly don’t die as quickly as he did. He lost his lifeline, he lost the thing that he lived for. His job was his world.
      “His last words on air were ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do now’.

      “When they’re fired and pushed, no one is there backing them. They called my dad Mr Radio Solent. But no one was there for him.”
      The BBC – who launched an investigation into Richard’s death in 2022 – said: “Richard Cartridge was a much loved presenter, both with the BBC team and our audiences, and our sympathies are with his family.”
      Richard worked at the Beeb for 47 years and was best known for his BBC Radio Solent showCredit: Supplied
      The BBC launched an investigation into Richard’s death in 2022
      From bullied schoolboy to BBC legendBy Jane Matthews
      STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed ‘Big Nose’ to a BBC radio legend.
      Wright was born in Greenwich, London and attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
      It was there that he was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde.
      His first job after leaving school was in marine insurance but after three years he realised it wasn’t for him.
      It was then that Wright left to become a local newspaper reporter.
      This led him to BBC, as a record librarian, which then went on to his own shows – and the rest was history.
      But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.
      He said at the time: “Before we start the show proper, if I may, I’d just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show.”
      The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show – which he last appeared on just days ago. More

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      Why does Gabrielle cover her eye when she sings?

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      LEGENDARY singer Gabrielle has returned to the world of music.The star, whose career began with her hit 90s song Dreams, is often spotted covering her eye when she sings – and here’s why.
      Gabrielle is a hit singer who is known for covering her eyeCredit: Rex Features
      Why does Gabrielle cover her eye when she sings?
      One thing fans of the famed singer may have noticed over the years is that Gabrielle, whose full name is Louise Gabrielle Bobb, likes to cover her right eye with her hair or with accessories like eye patches.
      “It’s my comfort blanket and it makes me happy.Gabrielle
      Gabrielle suffered in her childhood with an eye condition named ptosis – which she felt compelled to cover up when she shot to fame in 1993.
      It means one or both eyes have a dropping or falling of the upper eyelid. 
      The condition is also sometimes referred to as a “lazy eye” and can cause vision problems.
      Read More in ShowbizWHAT IS PTOSIS?Gabrielle has ptosis which is:

      Ptosis is the medical name for the drooping of the upper eyelid, which can happen in one or both eyes.
      A low upper lid can interfere with vision by affecting the top part of your visual field.
      It can also cause difficulty in keeping eyelids open, eyestrain or eyebrow ache, and fatigue, especially when reading.

      Discussing the condition, Gabrielle explained: “I’ve been plagued by insecurities. Because being younger, I didn’t have that confidence, and I have this lazy eye, although I have it covered with an eye patch.’’
      The singer also spoke out about the condition during an appearance on Loose Women back in 2019.
      Talking to the panel, Gabrielle said: ‘’I choose to cover my lazy eye because I don’t want it to be seen.
      “It’s my comfort blanket and it makes me happy.”
      Most read in Celebrity
      Since then, she’s reverted to simply covering her right eye with a side parting of hair when in public.
      Is Gabrielle married and does she have kids?
      Gabrielle is not married and her relationship status is unknown.
      The Masked Singer’s Harlequin revealed to be Gabrielle
      However, the singer does have children.
      Gabrielle has one son, Jordan, born in 1995, with Tony Antoniou – her former lover who was convicted of killing his stepfather Walter McCarthy.
      The star also has a daughter named Patricia who was born in 2003.
      Who was Gabrielle on the Masked Singer?
      In February 2021, fans of the popular programme The Masked Singer were left shocked when Gabrielle was revealed as Harlequin – and it was guest judge Matt Lucas who recognised her straight away.
      It really was one of the best things I’ve ever doneGabrielle
      In the end all the judges agreed with Matt, with only Davina McCall going for Emeli Sande instead. 
      Speaking after her unmasking, Gabrielle said: “I’m a very nervous performer and I thought this would bring me out of my comfort zone.”
      Following her stint on the singing show, the star also admitted that ‘’she nearly walked out on the first day’’.
      During an interview on Martin and Roman’s Weekend Best, Gabrielle said: ‘’Menopausal woman, that hot mask nearly killed me!”
      She also explained that the mask was very “heavy” and she wasn’t able to fan her face.
      Despite this, the singer said she enjoyed the experience.
      Speaking in 2021, Gabrielle added: “Apart from when I was feeling hot and out of breath, I felt like a million dollars in that costume.
      “It really was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
      “I’m 52 this year, and I’m not afraid to say it loud and proud — now I’m more accepting of myself.
      “I’m middle aged, and having the best time of my life.”
      Despite having won a Brit award in 1994 for Best Breakthrough Artist, and then again in 1997 for Best British female, Gabrielle said she still doubted her vocal abilities on the show and was crippled with nerves.
      She said: “I was scared initially because it’s so out of my comfort zone — it’s not one of my shows. I don’t do things like that.
      “When I’m appearing at my own shows, it’s because people are coming to see me, they know what they’re getting. And all of a sudden, it’s like a singing thing — it’s like, ‘What, it’s a competition? I can’t be entering singing competitions!’ I actually didn’t think I’d get as far as I got.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Because, the odd time you’d hear a voice but you wouldn’t know who it was, so I’d hear voices and think, ‘They are phenomenal. I haven’t got a voice like that’. And it was bringing back insecurities. 
      ‘’So I was so chuffed that I made it to the semi-finals. I’m like, ‘Wow, this is really cool. So I’m enjoying this moment’.” More

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      Who is Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper?

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      KATE Garraway has cancelled all TV and radio work as she supports her husband Derek amid his ongoing health battle.Sadly, in 2020, Derek Draper caught Covid and ended up in a life-threatening situation – something which he continues to battle every day.
      Kate Garraway with her husband Derek DraperCredit: PA
      Who is Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper?
      Derek Draper was born on August 15, 1967, in Chorley, Lancashire.
      He was educated at Runshaw College in Leyland before going to the University of Manchester.
      Derek was a political aide to former Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson and was at the centre of the scandal known as “Lobbygate” in 1998.
      Following this, he retrained as a psychotherapist and spent three years in California obtaining his degree.
      Read More on Derek Draper
      In the late 90s, he worked as the Political Editor of the Modern Review, was briefly a columnist for the Daily Express and presented on Talk Radio.
      In 2009, he became the founder and editor of the blog LabourList.
      But stepped down as editor after another scandal involving leaked emails.
      The messages sent to him by Gordon Brown’s special adviser, Damian McBride, proposed using the blog to smear senior Conservative MPs and their spouses.
      After 35 years, Derek decided to revoke his membership with the Labour Party on August 23, 2019.
      Derek is also a published author and has written books such as Blair’s 100 Days and Life Support.
      When did Kate Garraway marry Derek Draper?
      Kate Garraway married Derek in 2005, in Camden, London.
      The pair met just a year before, after being introduced by GMTV’s then-political editor, Gloria De Piero.
      Kate and Derek were due to have a second wedding after 15 years of marriage, but sadly his battle with coronavirus called those plans to a halt.
      Kate told Fabulous: “We’d planned the wedding for the end of summer, but I don’t suppose we’ll be booking anything now because we don’t really know what we can do.”
      Kate was previously married to former Meridian boss Ian Rumsey from 1998 to 2002.
      How many children do Kate Garraway and Derek Draper have?
      Derek and Kate have two children.
      The couple’s eldest is a daughter called Darcey, who was born on March 10, 2006.
      They also have a son called William, affectionately known as Billy, who was born on July 28, 2009.
      Their kids were 14 years old and 10 years old when their father was first hospitalised after he first caught the virus.
      In September 2023, Kate revealed fears for her children amid her husband’s health battle.
      Reflecting on her journey, Kate told The Times: “They are completely different people. I’m effectively on my own and I don’t know where I am with them really.”
      “Derek was always the line in the sand. I could say no a million times and they would always push their luck, but all Derek ever had to say was, ‘Enough!’.
      “He had such forcefulness about him. He’d call family meetings and be all very psychotherapist-y.”
      Kate also admitted: “My instinct is always keep everything good, keep everything nice, but he was always fine with stand-up rows.
      “He said it was all about boundary-setting, so I always felt he was going to be amazing in their teens.
      “So I feel, like, ‘Derek, of all the times, I am not equipped for this without you.’ And it makes me miss the old Derek so much.”
      What illness does Derek Draper have?
      In 2020, Kate Garraway’s husband Derek was rushed to hospital due to a Covid infection, which has since sparked years of heartbreaking health battles.
      After being taken to hospital, dad-of-two Derek spent 214 days on a ventilator, nearly four months in an induced coma and lost eight stone, as well as his ability to speak properly.
      After he moved back home in April 2021, Derek required round the clock care and was rushed back to hospital with “life-threatening” sepsis in August the following year.
      Following this, Derek was struck down with more ill-health.
      In December 2023, it was reported that Kate was by her husband’s side once more after Derek suffered a huge heart attack just days before Christmas.
      Wife Kate has since cancelled all TV and radio presenting while she supports her husband who is “fighting for his life” once again.
      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.
      “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.” More

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      How is Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper doing?

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      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.
      Kate Garraway pictured with husband Derek DraperCredit: Andrew Matthews-Pool/Getty Images
      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.
      Read More on Kate Garraway
      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.
      Most read in Celebrity
      “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.

      Read more on The Sun
      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. More