Kate Garraway say her husband, Derek Draper, has passed away at the age of 56.

 

Kate Garraway sadly shares that her husband, Derek Draper, has passed away at the age of 56.

Kate Garraway has shared the passing of her husband, Derek Draper, at the age of 56. Draper, an author and former political adviser, faced severe complications from Covid since contracting the virus in March 2020.

 Garraway confirmed the sad news on Instagram, revealing Derek's critical condition following a December cardiac arrest, exacerbated by Covid's impact in March 2020. Surrounded by family, Derek spent his final moments with Garraway by his side. 

She expressed gratitude to the medical teams and supporters, promising more words later. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute, hailing Draper as a "good colleague and great friend.

Derek Draper, diagnosed with Covid in April 2020, emerged from a coma in October of the same year. Despite being Covid-free by June 2020, extensive damage to his body persisted. After over a year in hospital, with speech still elusive, he returned home in April 2021 under continuous care. 

In July 2022, his hospital readmission and deteriorating condition were confirmed. December saw another hospitalization for further treatment. The family's journey, documented in the ITV film "Finding Derek," garnered national attention and won a National Television Award. 

Kate Garraway has taken an indefinite leave of absence from work, supporting Derek in his health battle. Married since 2005, they have two children.

Derek Draper, originally from Chorley in Lancashire, served as a Labour Party lobbyist for nearly a decade before his involvement in the "Lobbygate" scandal. After leaving politics in 1998, he pursued a career in psychotherapy and authored two books, "Blair's 100 Days" and "Life Support." 

In 2009, he founded the LabourList website. Despite challenges, Derek's resilience post-Covid was attributed to his love for family. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair remembered him as a tough political operative but also a loving and kind-hearted friend. 

Gordon Brown praised Draper's brilliance and creativity. Derek Draper passed away after a courageous battle with Covid, leaving behind his wife Kate and their children William and Darcey.

After Derek Draper's passing, condolences poured in from various personalities. Sir Elton John expressed sorrow and sent love to Kate and her family. 

Lorraine Kelly conveyed deep sadness and admiration for Kate's resilience. Susanna Reid shared heartfelt condolences, and Alastair Campbell remembered Derek as a significant figure with much more to offer. Zoe Ball expressed being heartbroken and sent love, while Alan Carr conveyed sympathy and love. 

The entire This Morning team, represented by Alison Hammond, extended their love and support to Kate Garraway and her children during this difficult time.