Kate Garraway Announces the Passing of Husband Derek Draper at 56
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Kate Garraway, the 56-year-old Good Morning Britain star, shared on Instagram that her husband, Derek Draper, has passed away at the age of 56.
This announcement follows Derek’s critical health conditions, which included a heart attack and prolonged battle with Covid-19.
Derek Draper’s Health Struggles:
Derek Draper, a former researcher for Blairite Peter Mandelson turned psychotherapist, had been grappling with the aftermath of a heart attack in December, a result of the lasting damage inflicted by Covid-19 in March 2020.
Despite the efforts of medical teams, Derek’s condition worsened, leading to his passing on Wednesday night in a North London hospital.
Tributes from Political Figures:
Former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown paid tribute to Derek, acknowledging his resilience and praising the love and support of his family.
Blair highlighted Derek’s multifaceted character, describing him as both a tough political operative and a kind-hearted friend.
Condolences and Support from the Public:
The news of Derek’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences and support from celebrities, colleagues, and friends.
Lorraine Kelly, Zoe Ball, Peter Andre, and others expressed their heartfelt sympathy on social media.
The managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, Kevin Lygo, extended condolences on behalf of colleagues who had worked with Kate.
Acknowledgment from Sir Elton John and ITV Colleagues:
Sir Elton John conveyed his love and thoughts to Kate Garraway, emphasizing the impact of Derek’s passing.
Colleagues from ITV, including Susanna Reid, Charlotte Hawkins, and Alison Hammond, offered messages of support, acknowledging the challenging time Kate and her family are going through.
Derek Draper’s Career and Political Controversies:
Derek Draper’s career as a political figure in New Labour during the 1990s was marked by both success and controversy.
Involved in the ‘cash-for-access’ scandal, he later retrained as a psychotherapist in the United States.
His marriage to Kate Garraway in 2005 and subsequent involvement in LabourList brought him back into the political spotlight, but controversies and leaks led to his resignation.
Medical Attention and Media Coverage:
Derek Draper’s battle with Covid-19 gained significant media attention, particularly due to his high-profile marriage and extended hospital stay.
Reports indicated that he had become one of the nation’s longest-suffering Covid patients, spending over a year in the hospital.
Kate’s documentary, “Finding Derek,” and the subsequent ITV series shed light on their family’s challenging journey, navigating the complexities of the social care system.
Conclusion:
Derek Draper’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, and the tributes pouring in reflect the impact he had on both the political landscape and the personal lives of those closest to him.
As Kate Garraway and her family navigate this difficult time, the support and condolences from friends, colleagues, and the public serve as a testament to the lasting impression Derek has left behind.
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