Kate Garraway has admitted she is “barely holding it together” following the death of her husband Derek Draper, who tragically died in January.
Garraway had been caring for her husband, 56, through a four-year period after he became one of the worst-affected Covid patients in the UK.
The illness ravaged his organs and left him requiring round-the-clock care, which ITV star Garraway shared with the public in a series of documentaries about their struggle and the plight of carers.
Following the heartbreaking ordeal, Draper died in January this year. Garraway, 57, has been candid about her grief journey and has shared her financial struggles that came about during Draper’s illness and after his death.
The couple had been married for 19 years, and the mother-of-two recently delved into her journey and struggles with an update.
Speaking at a charity ball, she stated: “I’m just at that early stage at the moment of coming out of grief.
Garraway’s husband Derek Draper died at the start of the year
Getty
“I’m just barely holding it together. I haven’t actually been out that much. So it’s nice to come out tonight.”
Speaking to Closer magazine, she continued: “Derek passed away so recently, so it’s just one step at a time.”
She went on to share her attitude towards the future, adding: “I really can’t believe I’m hurtling towards 60. I’m very much celebrating life now. Whatever the age.”
Garraway is also looking forward to launching a new series of ITV’s Life Stories as she continues to host Good Morning Britain and present her Smooth Radio show.
Garraway admitted she hasn’t ‘been out much’
PA
“I’m very excited. There are so many people I’d love to have on the show,” she told the publication.
“But the current lineup is a secret so you will have to wait and see.”
The presenter has also opened up on the financial strain Draper’s illness has left her in. During the last documentary she made just before her husband’s death, she explained: “His care costs more than my salary from ITV.
“We are at a crunch point. I am in debt – I can’t earn enough to cover my debt because we are managing Derek’s care.
Draper required round-the-clock care after being hospitalised for a year before his death in January
PA
“I can’t even use the money I do have to support Derek’s recovery because it’s going on the basics all the time.”
Reflecting on her income, she stated: “I’m not going to pretend that I am poorly paid. I have a job that I love that is well-paid… But it is not enough.”
She went on to state Draper was deemed “not sick enough to qualify for funded care.” The admission not long before Draper suffered a huge heart attack in December last year and died in days into 2024, ending his almost four-year-long recovery battle.
Following Draper’s death, Garraway claimed she was facing debts of up to £800,000 for the care carried out for her late husband.
