- Derek Draper, 56, longest-suffering COVID patient
- Garraway announces husband’s death
- Tributes from prominent figures
The 56-year-old was reportedly one of the longest-suffering COVID patients in the United Kingdom. The former New Labour adviser sustained significant organ injury due to the virus, necessitating daily care.
Derek Draper, the spouse of television host Kate Garraway and a former political adviser, passed away subsequent to enduring protracted and severe health complications induced by the coronavirus.
The 56-year-old was reportedly one of the longest-suffering COVID patients in the United Kingdom, having been hospitalised for thirteen months after contracting the virus in March 2020.
His organs were severely damaged, and he required daily care.
This morning, Garraway announced via Instagram that her “cherished husband” had passed away and that she had “remained by his side, holding his hand during his final hours.”
She verified that he experienced a myocardial infarction in early December and further stated that “the harm caused by COVID-19 resulted in additional complications.”
She stated, “I have much more to say, and I will certainly do so in due time, but for now, I just want to thank the entire medical staff for their tireless efforts in rescuing him and ensuring that his last moments were spent in the most comfortable and dignified manner possible.”
“Sending tremendous affection and gratitude to everyone who has supported our family in such a generous manner. My darling Derek, may you now rest in peace and gentleness. I was incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.
Prominent individuals, including Garraway’s co-stars from Good Morning Britain, expressed their condolences beneath the Instagram post.
Tributes from Notable Figures
Susanna Reid expressed, “Our deepest condolences to everyone involved.” Charlotte Hawkins further expressed her sorrow, writing, “Kate, this is beyond words, it is heartbreaking.” An enormous amount of affection to each of you.”
Sir Elton John expressed his deepest condolences to Kate on hearing the news. Thoughts and affection for you and your family, x.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, with whom Draper collaborated in the 1990s, expressed his profound sorrow upon learning of his demise.
Derek’s prolonged survival despite the debilitating effects of COVID is extraordinary and remarkable. This was largely attributable to the affection Derek had for his family as well as theirs for him. “This also reveals a remarkable quality about Derek,” he continued.
“He was a brilliant advisor and a tough, at times ruthless political operative whom you always wanted on your side.”
However, he was a compassionate, kind, generous, and good-natured man who belonged as a friend despite his tough exterior.
Another prominent New Labour figure, Alastair Campbell, characterised Derek Draper as “a gigantic character.”
His message on X, formerly Twitter, read: “Deeply saddened to learn the news regarding Derek Draper. He was a giant of a person, a giver rather than a consumer, and he still had a great deal to offer before COVID claimed his life.
“Absolutely heartbreaking for Kate Garraway and her children.” Their unwavering love and support remained profound until the very end. RIP.”
Draper’s Life and Achievements
Draper, a prominent figure in New Labour during the 1990s, collaborated with Liam Byrne, who later became an MP, and worked for Blairite Peter Mandelson before establishing the Progress organisation.
Following his involvement in the “lobbygate” or “cash-for-access” scandal, he relocated to the United States to retrain as a psychotherapist.
Draper and Garraway wed in 2005 and are the parents of two children. In September, they celebrated their eighteenth wedding anniversary; the presenter wrote on Instagram that she was “absolutely grateful” he was still alive to witness it.
Following the untimely illness of her spouse, she authored a book titled “The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism,” in which she detailed the profound disruption that occurred in her life.
She stated that it is an endless cycle of loss and gain, gratitude for surviving and sorrow for what has been lost. This book recounts my personal journey of discovering love and fortitude in order to make my family flourish. I hope that the insights I have gained from this experience assist you in navigating your obstacles.
Furthermore, regarding Draper’s health struggle and his treatment, Garraway produced two documentaries, both of which were awarded National Television Awards in the category for authored documentaries.
She announced the nomination of the second programme, Caring For Derek, in an Instagram post in 2022.
“We created the documentary to shed light on the difficult challenges that carers, professional carers, and those doing it out of love face,” she explained.
“Despite the fact that you do not regret doing it, it is extremely difficult. You observed that I was frustrated, despondent, and emotional, and in recent weeks and months, I have been all of these and more.
“That is the nature of caring; you desire for it to continue because you want the individual to survive and remain by your side. However, the journey continues without reaching a definitive conclusion, and it remains not any less challenging.”
Downing Street claims legacy asylum cases cleared, 4,537 pending
