- Kate Garraway praises children’s bravery
- Derek Draper’s memorial discussed
- Returns to Good Morning Britain
In her first appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain since the passing of her husband, Kate Garraway praised her children’s “extraordinary bravery.”
She spoke via video from her home, stating that her family’s “emotions are at 110%” following Friday’s memorial for Derek Draper.
Draper died in January after suffering severe complications from Covid-19.
Thursday will see the television host return to co-present the programme with Ben Shephard.
During an emotional interview, Garraway described the moment she learned her husband was terminally ill as a “stop the clock” moment.
Regarding his final moments, Darcey Garraway, her 17-year-old daughter, reportedly told her father, “Don’t worry about us, don’t worry about your mother. We will get by because you continue to live on in us.
“Some people don’t understand” that the television host had the chance to say goodbye to her husband and had “the opportunity to hold his hand and smell his skin.”
Additionally, she spoke about Darcey’s role as a pallbearer during the service, saying, “I thought it was a beautiful thing that she insisted on doing it.”
Notable individuals such as former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, musician Sir Elton John, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer attended Draper’s funeral.
The congregation gathered at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Primrose Hill, north-west London, on Friday for the service.
Draper, a psychologist by profession who had previously worked as a political lobbyist, married the GMB host at the same chapel in September 2005.
“Incredible Love”
Furthermore, the 56-year-old host spoke of the “outpouring of love shown to me by all those who have supported me.”
In a book of condolences from viewers, she expressed her gratitude for the “incredible love” and “extraordinary” messages of condolence her family received from unexpected sources.
Darcey shared, “I received the most beautiful letter from David and Victoria Beckham, handwritten, with exceptional handwriting.”
Additionally, the TV host received a “beautiful letter” from the Royal Family, which included sentiments like “even the King’s acknowledgement” because “someone understands grief, that anticipatory grief where you know something is at risk of happening and how different it is when it does happen.”
“Life Must Start”
Garraway joked that she was “looking forward to a blow-dry” upon her return to the daytime show.
She said she would be wearing false eyelashes and a tan, adding, “Don’t worry, I’ll be looking much more presentable.”
She continued: “I look forward to catching up with everyone and stepping back into the world.
Thank you for inviting me back; however, I would appreciate some patience as I may be slightly rusty.”
When asked if it was too soon to return to work, she replied, “Life must start. We have to pull ourselves together and go on. That’s exactly what Derek would want me to do.”
Additionally, Garraway paid tribute to caregivers during her interview.
“Our healthcare professionals have immense brilliance and skill, but we need a different system of support, care, and everything else that truly comes after the critical moment has passed.”
“However, I think those in a caring role will realise two things from this: first, how incredibly hard it is, but what an honour it is; and secondly, how much I wish I were in a caring position right now.”
Because being that first line of defence against the outside world is an extraordinary experience.
